The most common parenting challenge with young ones is their toddler tantrums. It’s inevitable for a toddler to throw a tantrum. It can be difficult when dealing with a toddler tantrum. Their behavior is irrational, and all you want to do is try to keep your cool while mentally pulling out your own hair.
According to the dictionary, a tantrum is an angry outburst in reaction to something that didn’t go their way.
Tantrums can be loud, and can even be violent. Kicking, crying, and screaming can all be involved in a tantrum and toddlers can sometimes be inconsolable. A number of things can trigger a tantrum, such as wanting to be outside or not getting what they want at the store. My child has tantrums just for being told to get out from in front of the TV – insert eye roll here.
Toddlers have tantrums for a number of reasons, including being tired, hungry, or just because they’re over-emotional. Toddlers usually can’t express in words how they feel, so a tantrum is their way of letting these emotions out.
So how do you deal with toddler tantrums?
1. Ignore them
You read that right. Ignore them. Sometimes your toddler will throw a tantrum just to get what they want. When you ignore them, their tantrums usually fizzle out fairly quickly.
2. Show them empathy
To put it simply, a toddler tantrum is an emotional explosion. If your toddler is throwing a tantrum and all they hear from you is to “calm down”, it will more than likely make it worse.
Make your toddler understand that you know what they want, and why you won’t allow it. Say something to your child, such as “I see that you are upset,” to let them know you understand.
3. Use a distraction
When a toddler is in the midst of a tantrum, trying to reason with them is usually futile because they’re overwhelmed by their big emotions. Their ability to process and respond calmly is severely limited at this stage. Instead of engaging in a discussion, try redirecting their attention to something else that might captivate their interest, like a new toy, their favorite song, or a fun activity. This distraction can help shift their focus away from what’s upsetting them, and over time, they’re likely to calm down and regain their composure.
4. Stay calm
Staying chill during toddler tantrums can be tough, but it’s the key to keeping your cool. If you let your frustration show and start yelling, you’re basically teaching your kid that losing their temper is okay when things get rough. By staying calm, you’re showing them how to handle tough moments without flipping out. Emotions are contagious, so keep your cool, acknowledge their feelings, and stick to your boundaries.
5. Don’t punish them
Punishing your toddler during a tantrum is likely to make things worse rather than better. Time outs or any form of punishment can just lead to more frustration and make your child feel like they’re in trouble. Instead of solving the issue, it can create a barrier of misunderstanding and negative feelings between you both. In a loving relationship, it’s important to focus on understanding and support rather than adding to the stress.
6. Keep their comforts nearby
All kids have one or two things that give them comfort. This comfort can be anything from a binky to a blanket. Make sure you know exactly where these comfort items are so you can easily grab them when a tantrum starts. Giving your child their comfort item can usually help calm them down almost immediately.
7. Get down to their level
Talking down to your child won’t help them feel secure or encourage them to change their behavior. Instead, it’s important to get down to their level so you can be face-to-face. This approach makes it easier for them to connect with you and understand your message. Engaging with them directly or offering a distraction can be far more effective in addressing their needs and guiding their behavior.
8. Don’t give in
If your child is throwing a tantrum because he wanted the Hot Wheels car he saw in the checkout line, don’t give in. Giving in and giving them what they want will only teach them that all they have to do is throw a fit to get what they want.
A toddler’s behavior can sometimes be totally irrational, leading to a tantrum. They can always be frustrating and stressful, but hopefully, these tips will help you as a parent to handle these tantrums with ease!
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