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Inside: Restore peace and save your sanity with these proven methods for dealing with toddler tantrums! You got this!
Toddler tantrums are a very common and typical part of the brain development of young children, but they can be too much for us parents to deal with.
Picture this!
You and your toddler go to the grocery store for a quick in-and-out shopping trip. They see a toy they like and demand it. You start walking after politely reminding them that they have plenty of toys at home.
Your toddler reacts by throwing a full-fledged public tantrum — crying and screaming. Everyone is staring at you, and you wish the earth would swallow you up. Instead of standing firm, you take a deep breath, concede, and your toddler gets the toy.
After all, everyone was looking, and you just wanted the whole thing to be over!
Here’s another scenario…
Your family is crammed into a car for a long drive to see a family member on your partner’s side when your child begins screaming and wriggling, insisting on getting out of their car seat in the middle of the interstate, posing a safety issue.
As a result, your small expedition is delayed because you are irritated and decide to stop to find out what they need.
“Tantrums are not bad behavior. Tantrums are an expression of emotion that became too much for the child to bear. No punishment is required. What your child needs is compassion and safe, loving arms to unload in.”
~Rebecca Eanes
- Picture this!
- Here’s another scenario…
- Let’s delve deeper into toddler tantrums by answering a few of the lingering questions all parents ask at this point in our lives:
- So, What are the Most Effective Ways to Manage a Child’s Temper Tantrum?
- A few things you can do to prevent unnecessary temper tantrums:
- Coping with toddler tantrums
- Last Words of Encouragement for the Mother Dealing with Toddler Tantrums
Every parent has their fair share of a distressing meltdown. You are not alone!
So what’s the best way to handle your toddler’s tantrum or defiant behavior the next time you visit public places? Do you give in and hope for the best or let your child scream the houses down while everyone looks on in horror?
Not sure what to do? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about handling toddler tantrums with ease.
Let’s delve deeper into toddler tantrums by answering a few of the lingering questions all parents ask at this point in our lives:
Temper tantrums are a normal part of child development according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
They are sudden uncontrolled releases of displeasure and aggravation, typical in toddler years. According to this, “tantrums may involve screaming, stomping, kicking, or throwing themselves to the ground.”
Tantrums can also involve whining, crying, hitting, and biting. At some point, it may be worse than those mentioned above.
Tantrums are very common in children between the ages of 1 and 3. They are a child’s way to learn self-control. It’s how they tell you that they’re upset or frustrated.
These tantrums happen when a child feels strong emotions but doesn’t know how to express them. Difficult situations like hunger, discomfort, rejection, or simply a sensory overload are just a few tantrum triggers. However, the most common trigger is not getting enough sleep.
Since little ones don’t have the language skills needed to voice out how they feel, their frustration builds up to the point where they throw a fit.
Even though it’s reassuring to know that a toddler’s tantrum is nothing to worry about, it still doesn’t make handling them any better.
Temper tantrums will dwindle when your kid gets older and becomes more vocal in expressing his wishes — unless an underlying cause is imminent.
One tantrum that lasts an average of 11 minutes a day is nothing to worry about. Washington University researchers studied it, which you can read more about here.
Talk to your child’s healthcare provider if your toddler has a tantrum of more than 15 minutes that is either violent or aggressive so they can refer your little one to a few child psychologists you are comfortable with.
This may be due to sensory processing issues similar to those experienced by people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and must be addressed at once.
Related article: Starting Preschool [How to Prepare your Toddler]
So, What are the Most Effective Ways to Manage a Child’s Temper Tantrum?
Quick win: Read this book about how to talk to little kids so they will listen. This guide will empower parents like us to build fulfilling and happy relationships with our little ones. Be sure to check it out!
Now, here are six simple ways to deal with your toddler’s big feelings:
1. Stay calm
It is always a good idea to remain calm. I know! Easier said than done. However, the best way to win power struggles is to try to keep your cool.
When managing your toddler’s outbursts, taking deep breaths and thinking happy thoughts work like a charm as well!
Word of advice: Keep your own temper in check!
2. Learn the art of distraction
Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to pull your toddler’s focus from their tantrum to something else.
You can try introducing a new activity to them by grabbing their favorite toy, asking them questions, or simply taking them to a different room.
Making a funny face can even be a simple way to turn a difficult situation around.
Sometimes, a gentle distraction is all it takes to snap your toddler out of it.
3. Try to meet your toddler’s needs
Unmet needs often cause toddler tantrums. For example, if your little one is throwing a temper tantrum because of fatigue or hunger, try putting them to bed (if possible) or giving them healthy snacks.
4. Look past the tantrum
I am not suggesting that you disregard your toddler altogether. Your presence (even in silence) is all they need. Stick around, so they know you will be available anytime they’re ready for that hug.
Remember, you are their safe place!
5. Acknowledge Your Child’s Emotions
Make sure your toddler knows they are loved and safe in your presence. Acknowledge how they feel and speak in a gentle and low tone. Now isn’t the time to try to reason with a 2-year-old. Offer them a big hug or give them space if they need it.
6. Pick your battles
You’ve got to choose your battles in life sometimes. Giving in to toddler tantrums is not generally recommended but giving in every once in a while is okay. Just try not to turn it into a habit.
Related article: 5 Simple Ways to Foster Toddler Independence at Home
A few things you can do to prevent unnecessary temper tantrums:
- Incorporate nap times into your toddler’s daily routine to make sure they are well-rested.
- Change your child’s diet to limit sugary food.
- Give them something healthy to munch on every two to three hours to keep them filled.
- Avoid situations that could set off your toddler’s tantrums.
- Shower them with lots of affection.
Coping with toddler tantrums
Nothing about toddler tantrums is easy for you or your child. They are always stressful for everyone involved. Therefore, it only makes sense to equip ourselves with an array of approaches when aggressive behavior is likely to occur. Here’s a recap:
- I urge you to practice emotional control. While some are better at regulating emotions, exerting control of emotions for most of us can be a challenge. There are several ways to do this, but the most common is controlled breathing. Exercise deep breathing every once in a while, and you’ll get used to it in no time.
- Learn to divert your child’s attention as well. Distracting them in the middle of a tantrum has been proven time and again to work.
- Make an effort to meet your toddler’s needs. Find more positive ways to find the root cause of a tantrum and stop it before it explodes.
- Look past the tantrum but stick around and be prepared to give them that hug when they’re ready.
- Assure your toddler that they are loved and safe in your company. Recognize their emotions and talk in a soft, quiet voice. Give them a hearty embrace or some space if they need it.
- You can sometimes pick and choose your battles. Giving in to toddler tantrums is not ideal, but it is acceptable to do so if necessary. Just don’t make it a habit.
Last Words of Encouragement for the Mother Dealing with Toddler Tantrums
Your strength exceeds your perception. Never think of yourself as a bad parent. Instead, take a step back and remember that this will pass quickly.
Keep in mind, however, that things will get worse before they get better. So give it some time! Temper tantrums will be replaced by good behavior before you know it.
At the end of the day, your child’s emotions are out of your control, and this stage of development in their life is only temporary.
You got this!
Talk to you soon,
So, do you have any tricks to handle toddler tantrums up your sleeve?
If you or anyone you know does, don’t forget to drop them below to help moms like us. You can also share this post with your mommy friends while at it. Thank you!
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