Toddler temper tantrums can be frustrating to parents and caregivers of 1- to 3-year-old children. During this time period, children are busy exploring the world around them. They are learning to speak with words but may have to use other methods to communicate. Quite often, they become frustrated because they don’t understand something, are displeased, or frustrated because they are misunderstood or not understood at all. However, many toddler meltdowns can be attributed to insecurity, lack of sleep, and hunger. Many tantrums can be avoided by paying attention to the basic needs of a child.
Routine is what keeps toddlers happy.
Toddlers thrive on schedules. They like to know what to expect, and they look forward to their routine. Routine provides a sense of security for many children. Consequently, toddler temper tantrums can be caused by extreme deviations from what they are accustomed to doing. By following a daily schedule, frustrations can be limited and some tantrums may be avoided.
It’s important to make sure that toddlers get a sufficient amount of rest. They need to have a scheduled bedtime in the evening that allows them to get at least eight hours of sleep. Although toddlers aren’t babies anymore, they still can benefit from a nap during the day, too. Watching children for minor signs of fatigue, such as eye rubbing, whining, and yawning, throughout the day is helpful before a major sign, a tantrum, occurs. When these minor signs appear, children should be encouraged to nap.
Some tantrums can be avoided by making sure toddlers aren’t hungry. A hungry child cannot be as attentive or self-controlled as a full child. Toddlers need three meals and two or more snacks each day. Caregivers should carry nutritious snacks with them at all times. Having raisins, crackers, or apple slices handy can make the difference between a child kicking and screaming in a shopping mall or patiently waiting while clothes are being purchased.
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 Train Your Angry Dragon.
It will teach you everything you need to know to stop those awful temper tantrums for good.
In many cases, toddler temper tantrums can be prevented by being attentive to children’s needs. Following a schedule, enforcing bedtimes, encouraging naptimes, and providing meals and snacks for toddlers can help reduce tantrums caused by insecurity, tiredness, and hunger.