Dealing with toddler tantrums

When toddlers don’t get their way, they tend to throw their toys out of the cot. The anger of not getting what they want and when they want, can lead to them throwing temper tantrums. As a parent you can either bow down to the pressure or discipline your child, in an age appropriate manner.

They can’t get everything they want

Even if the tantrums persist, sooner or later your child will discover that they can and will survive the frustration and torment of not getting what they want, when they want. Sometimes a toddler may throw a tantrum in public leading to the parent acting strongly and hitting the child. Remember that this is a phase and fortunately, children quickly learn when negative feelings, such as rage, are not acceptable.

Are tantrums a form of manipulation?

How often do you hear people say that kids are being manipulative when they throw tantrums? This is only true if your toddler has learned that screaming, throwing themselves around and causing a scene gets them what they want. It doesn’t make sense to give to the temper tantrums. It is a good idea to show a little one a bit of sympathy towards your toddler as they navigate and understand the world.

Right and wrong

The simplest way to deal with temper tantrums is to set limits and teach your child to accept those boundaries. They need to understand that the world doesn’t rotate around them and that as a parent, you will guide them and show them what’s wrong or right.Sooner or later they will come to accept life’s limitations without throwing a tantrum. This teaches them what is right from wrong.

Dealing with temper tantrums

• Guide your toddler and teach them acceptable ways to express their emotions as they develop.
• Accept that temper tantrums are developmentally appropriate and, to a point, psychologically healthy. So, allow your toddler to feel and express his emotions. This doesn’t mean that you have to give them what they want. This process of accepting that they can’t always get what they want will take them some years to grapple with and resolve.
• Allow them to express themselves freely
• Try not to give in to the demands, unless it makes sense.
• Take a step back and see if they are able to work things out by themselves.
• Offer a distraction and try to take your child to a different place or change the environment.
• Offer a comforting hug when the tantrum is slowing down.
• Take the opportunity to reconcile when the tantrum is over.
• Talk about it afterwards.
• If you can identify the tantrum trigger, it’s easier to shut it down.
• Keep your daily schedule as predictable as possible to help prevent tantrums.
• When your baby is overly emotional, stay as calm as possible.