Somewhere between the ages of one and three, toddlers master a new form of communication. It’s called a temper tantrum. There are two kinds of temper tantrums. One is an expression of frustration. The other is an attempt to manipulate.
Here are some tips to help stop those tantrums.
When a toddler gets frustrated, he or she lacks the verbal skills to express those feelings. The result can be an emotional outburst. As a parent, there are a few helpful strategies to calm the toddler down:
- Hold your toddler. The toddler can’t talk his way out of the problem. Being held lets him know that someone is there for him.
- Identify what triggers your toddlers tantrums. Does he or she get cranky during a visit to the market? Be prepared. Bring along a favorite toy or a treat. Don’t go shopping when the toddler is tired.
- Verbalize your toddlers feelings. If he’s upset because you’re shopping and won’t buy him a toy, put it into words for him. Get down to the toddler’s level and say, You want that ball and you’re upset because you can’t have it. Knowing his feelings are understood will calm the toddler down.
- Distract the tantrum-throwing toddler. Give him a favorite toy. Ask him to color a picture. Take him somewhere else, like the garden, where you can show him the flowers. Any distraction should abate the tantrum.
- Ask him what he’s feeling. He may have difficulty verbalizing his frustration, but it will teach him to use words rather than tantrums when angry.
- You, as the parent, should stay calm. If the toddler is out-of-control, he needs you to be in control. If he’s throwing a tantrum in public, take him to a quiet place. Talk to him calmly.
Be aware that even a toddler is smart enough to know your trigger points. A tantrum-throwing toddler does not need a parent with a short fuse. Be aware what kind of behavior causes you to lose it. If necessary, get professional help. If your toddler is throwing a fit in an effort to manipulate you, it’s important that you remain in control.
- If possible, ignore the tantrum. Once your toddler realizes who’s in control, the tantrum will stop.
- Call for a time out. If you’re outside, take the child to the car. At home, have a time out place. This will give the toddler a chance to calm down.
For those serious about taking control of your out of control toddler.
If you really want to stop your toddlers temper tantrums, I highly recommend you pick up the book titled Train Your Angry Dragon.
It will teach you everything you need to know to stop those awful temper tantrums for good.
Most importantly, recognize that your toddler’s tantrums are actually a good thing. He or she is learning to deal with frustration, which is an important skill as the toddler matures into an adult. In a world where no one always gets what he or she wants, knowing how to deal with frustration is crucial.