Are toddler temper tantrums making you want to lose your mind? Although a normal part of development, a toddler tantrum is never easy to deal with. Here is how to Stop Toddler Tantrums once and for all.
How To Stop Toddler Tantrums
Before you even become a parent, you hear stories about the ‘terrible twos’. But those terrible twos started long before my daughter turned 2 years old. She was born a strong-willed child and really tested me as a parent early on.
I was expecting all the normal signs of a temper tantrum; the whining, crying and screaming.
What I did not expect were the additional behaviors my daughter had like throwing things, hitting, biting, kicking. Or how hard it would be as a parent to handle these toddler tantrums.
It took a lot of learning on my part on how to stop her toddler tantrums and a lot of patience. But over time, her tantrums became less and less and the few she did have became easily manageable.
Seems imposible, right?
The reality is, toddler tantrums are a totally normal part of development. During the years when kids can understand but can’t accurately verbalize what they want or need, leads to frustration on their part. And frustration leads to tantrums.
That doesn’t make toddler tantrums any easily to deal with!
So before you feel like you are about to lose your mind the next time your toddler throws an epic temper tantrum, try these solutions to stop toddler tantrums.
Toddler Tantrum Taming Tips You Need
The next time your toddler throws a temper tantrum, remember these 7 tips to save your sanity!
1 – Understand Why The Tantrum is Happening
Is your toddler extra tired (is it naptime?) or are they hungry? Chance are, there is a reason they are having a temper tantrum. If you can pinpoint that reason, it can easily be avoided.
Keep Reading: 12 Factors That Influence a Child’s Behavior
But if it’s for another reason like they want a toy at the grocery store and you said no, then follow some of these other methods to end their tantrum…
2 – Give Positive Attention
A temper tantrum is obviously considered bad behavior. If you give in to it or even acknowledge it, you are showing your toddler that tantrums WORK.
Instead, give them positive attention for good behavior. Which may also mean that you have to ignore a lot of the tantrum. If you are at home and your toddler is having a temper tantrum, let them fuss until they settle down on their own.
Don’t acknowledge the behavior as it is happening. Wait for the tantrum to be over with and then praise them on their ability to calm down on their own. When they get praised for something, they will be more likely to continue that behavior in the future.
3 – Give Your Toddler Some Control
I’m not saying give them ALL the control. But letting toddlers have decision-making abilities during their developmental years could help lessen the number of tantrums they have.
Let them decide which shirt to wear for the day. Give them a few choices for lunch and let them decide what they want to eat.
4 – Don’t Always Say No
Hearing “no” all the time is exactly what’s going to piss your toddler off even more. They are growing and learning about the world and when everything is a “no” to them, they will get frustrated and upset. And that of course will lead to more temper tantrums.
Let them discover things for themselves. As long as they are safe, it’s ok if they test their abilities and their choices from time to time.
Constantly telling them NO will lead to greater frustration on their part and ultimately more tantrums.
5 – Use Distraction
When all else failed, distraction worked like a charm! If I knew there was nothing I could do to stop my daughter’s temper tantrum, I found literally anything I could to distract her.
One time at home, she was having a tantrum in the middle of the living room. So I ran to the window and pretended like I saw the world’s biggest bird. That got her attention and she rushed to the window with me and then we went outside and pretended to find other animals.
Their little minds are easily distractible. Use it to your advantage!
6 – Encourage Their Words
Most toddlers throw tantrums because they have a hard time expressing themselves. When they can’t get their wants and needs out with words, they get upset and frustrated.
If you can help them use their words, or learn new words, you can help prevent toddler tantrums in the future.
So the next time they are getting upset and you can see a tantrum coming on, encourage them to use their words to tell you what they need.
If they just want to cry and scream, you walk away and let them know you’ll be back when they can tell you with their words, what they need.
7 – Avoid Situations Likely To Trigger A Tantrum
Kids can actually be pretty predictable. If they are hungry or tired, they are going to be going to have a meltdown. And if you take them out of their routine, they will most likely feel overwhelmed and have a tantrum.
Not every situation is avoidable. But if you know your child well enough then you know what might trigger a tantrum. Do your best to avoid those situations.
It’s not always easy to schedule things around a toddler’s routine, but its a lot easier than dealing with constant temper tantrums!
You Might Also Be Interested In:
- When To Worry About Your Toddler’s Tantrums
- How To Create a Bedtime Routine For Toddlers
- 20 Indoor Activities To Keep Toddlers Busy
- How To Use Positive Parenting At Home
- 8 Signs You’re Raising a Spoiled Child
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