Songs to stop kids tantrums in their tracks

From Queen to Doja Cat - here are the top songs to play when your child throws a tantrum

Experts have shared the ultimate music playlist to stop a child’s tantrum in its tracks, including well-known songs by popular artists like Queen, Doja Cat and Natasha Bedingfield.

Kids bean bag retailer, GreatBeanBags, teamed up with a clinical psychologist to create a ‘tantrum-busting formula’, where more than one thousand nursery rhymes were analysed to find the average key, BPM and time signature of the most popular 10 songs. 

Using these averages, the 40 most-compatible songs across all music genres - from heavy metal to pop - were identified and added to the tantrum-busting playlist for kids.

While there is an eclectic mix of genres taking the top three spots, famous British rock band, Queen feature at number four with their legendary hit single ‘Another One Bites The Dust’ and Doja Cat’s banger, ‘Woman’ ranked in the top 10 for its success in soothing a child’s mood.

15 songs most likely to stop a tantrum

Patrick Tonks, creative director at GreatBeanBags, commented: “Tantrums are a normal part of parenting and most children will grow out of them eventually, but for parents who are tired of playing the go-to nursery rhymes, this musical hit list is a fun alternative to try. 

“From our research, it was interesting to find out the music genres most likely to stop a tantrum too. For instance, parents who listen to a lot of pop music are fortunate here, as it’s the most-compatible genre, followed by R&B music and then country in third place.” 

Other well-known songs that parents can safely play around their little ones include ‘Bones’ by Imagine Dragons and ‘Unwritten’ by the pop queen herself, Natasha Beddingfield.

Fleetwood Mac fans are also in luck since their song ‘Everywhere’ features in the playlist for kids, as does the viral TikTok song, ‘Brazil’ by Declan McKenna.

Dr Liam Gilligan, clinical psychologist specialising in children and families, said music can help catch a child’s attention in the very early stages of a tantrum, providing a much-needed hook for a distraction. 

He added: “If music doesn’t work to quickly shift your child’s attention, these three expert tips can help to de-escalate the situation.

3 Tips to De-escalate a tantrum

1. Your child’s tantrum isn’t an attack on you

“Remember this outburst isn’t personal and although it may feel like it - your child isn’t giving you a hard time, in fact they are having a hard time themselves. 

“What they need from you is help to learn how to better manage these big feelings; how to express themselves and feel more in control - you need to set an example of a healthy reaction to stress. 

2. Ignoring the behaviour can be helpful 

“If it is safe to do so, sometimes it’s best to ignore the bad behaviour and praise the good.

“You can still be near them and occasionally check in with them to see if they are ready to move on, and if they are, remember to praise them for stopping some of the more unhelpful behaviours. 

3. Recognise the tell-tale signs

“Tantrums are best managed before they reach the point where the child is in full flow - instead, aim to anticipate it and meet their needs or intervene if you notice them starting to struggle with their emotions.”

For parents in need of the tantrum-busting playlist, you can now play it on Spotify here.