How to Handle Toddler Tantrums

Tantrums are very common in toddlers. The main reason is there is a conflict between the toddler, their parents, and caregivers. When toddlers feel frustrated or uncomfortable, they will begin to have a tantrum. Tantrums, for parents, are stressful, frustrating, tiring, and exhausting. If a child continues to throw tantrums in different situations, it can grow into worse behaviours, further damaging their self-confidence. However, there are things you can do to help your child to calm down. 

Here Are Ways to Handle Toddler Tantrums:

It’s Important to Stay Calm. 

When toddlers are upset, they need you, so try not to get upset at your child or lose control of your emotions. Parents should always try their best to stay calm despite temper tantrums. Toddlers, especially, have trouble understanding that they need to calm down and tend to lose it when the parent tries certain calming methods.

Shower Them with Plenty of Positive Attention. 

Toddler tantrums are normal. While it can be tempting to punish your child for being aggressive, be sure to reward them instead. For example, if your child is throwing his toys, give him a new toy as a reward once he’s done. Try to give your toddler lots of praise. Don’t yell. Accept that toddlers like to make messes that you can’t control. Also, don’t force your toddler to take a nap, instead, try quiet time.

Give Toddlers Some Control Over Little Things.

Toddlers can sense when their parents lose control and raise their frustration level. They crave control, so giving toddlers small pieces of control over their environment will reduce your child’s frustration and help build your child’s sense of self-confidence. Toddlers hate being left out of anything that involves other children. Offer your toddler choices: “Can you help me gather up the toys?” or “Can you help mommy sweep the floor?”. They also love to help and like feeling useful. Toddlers work with you to do tasks, and it is much more fun than begging, depending on others, and screaming. They will not know what you’re on about, however including them in these tasks is essential.

Establish Off-Limits Objects Out of Sight and Out of Reach.

Some toddlers have a tantrum when they feel adults are controlling them. Toddlers love being allowed to do things themselves, even if that means they will get into a mess. Instead of simply giving in, parents should let children explore and learn independently, giving them control over the environment and tasks (for instance, letting them take dirty clothes to the laundry basket). After a while, toddlers learn that they can rely on themselves, which decreases the number of tantrums. But always remember to clear away things that could be hazardous or cause harm to them.

Help Kids Learn New Skills and Succeed.

Introducing your child to new things, whether it be with tasks, food, or new words is essential. Each day they’re learning and it’s vital that you continue this process. If you aren’t including them in your daily tasks or letting them see what’s outside the four walls of your home, they aren’t having the opportunity to do so. By restricting them, you’re stopping them from learning which could cause issues as they grow up.

Consider The Request Carefully When Your Child Wants Something.

A simple or voluntary action can be tough if your child has physical or sensory needs. Your requests may be hard to understand for children who have developmental delays. Consider meeting your child halfway and offering a small reward or allowing your child to try the request. Your child may be more likely to accept your requests if it is a smaller task or something that is within their reach.

When Your Child Has Calmed Down, You Can Help by Distracting Your Child with Activities.

When your child has a tantrum, don’t yell at them. Instead, gently explain that you want the tantrum to stop and that you want your child to feel calm. To help your child calm down, try giving them a toy or consoling them. Don’t press the issue, or your child will think that your response isn’t satisfactory. Play with your child, read a story, sing a song, or give them their favourite toy. You can also distract your child by giving them a snack or drink.

Toddler tantrums are no fun for anyone, especially parents. When a child becomes upset, it’s normal to calm them down, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The toddler’s pride can get bruised as well. The key to handling toddler tantrums is to understand them and stay calm.

Temper tantrums are a common problem faced by parents of young children. While a tantrum can have many causes, they are mostly related to the child’s lack of self-control. And although it can seem like it’s completely out of control, there are ways to help your child learn better ways of managing their emotions.