Toddler temper tantrums are common.The communication skills of toddlers make it hard to express what they want.Throwing a tantrum is the most satisfying option for toddlers since they don't have the skills to deal with negative emotions.There are many things you can do to deal with tantrums.Find ways to stop the tantrum, teach the toddler how to express their emotions, and understand why a toddler might throw a tantrum.
Step 1: Take a look at the situation.
Take a few moments to think about the source of your child's anger.Do you know what they are angry about?Is they scared or injured?The reason a child is upset will affect how you handle it.It's best to let the toddler go through their anger and not give them too much attention.When you know your child is throwing a temper tantrum to try and get you to give them what they want, this is especially true.If you can see that your child is losing it, then leave them be.If your child is crying because they are frightened or overwhelmed, you shouldn't ignore them.They need your comfort in this situation.
Step 2: Try to reason with a toddler who is angry.
Trying to reason with a toddler who is having a major meltdown is pointless.They are too focused on their own emotions to listen or comprehend what you are trying to say.It may not make sense to you, but toddlers don't have the same skills as adults.They are reacting in a way that makes sense.If it wouldn't be safe for you to leave your child alone, then you should.In the middle of a busy grocery store, you don't want to leave them sitting on the floor.If you are in the safety of your home, you might allow your child to have a meltdown in their room.Giving them their space when it is safe to do so is a good way to give you both time to deal with your emotions.
Step 3: Attempt to distract them.
If you catch it before it gets out of hand, you may be able to avoid the problem altogether.A distraction could help them calm down more quickly.You should use something that they will be interested in.Before you leave home, be sure to put a few items in your bag to distract you.Pull out one of the items and say, "Look what I have here!"If they nod, then give it to them.Try a different item if they shake their head.It is possible to try the same thing if your child is already having a bad day.Good items for distraction are small toys and healthy snacks.
Step 4: Do something silly.
It is easy to get a toddler to laugh.If you can do something silly, your child will focus on something other than their anger.Laughter releases chemicals in the brain that make your child feel better.If you are at a store, hide for a few seconds behind something, then pop out with a big smile and say, "Boo!" You could also try making silly faces or talking in a funny voice.
Step 5: Don't give in.
If you are in a public place and feel embarrassed, the easiest thing to do is to give in.You should not give in if you are embarrassed or frustrated.If you give in, your child will use this technique again if you tell them they can't have something they want.Leave the situation before it gets worse.You might consider putting off shopping until later in the day if you are at the grocery store and your child throws a tantrum.It will be less frustrating than dealing with a cranky toddler during the shopping trip.
Step 6: Don't let your temper get the best of you.
Sometimes the best thing you can do is walk away if the situation isn't right.Remove yourself from the situation if you are about to lose your temper.If you are at home, allow your child to have a meltdown in a safe place and then go to another room to calm down.If you are in public, take your child to the car, put them in their seat, and take a few minutes to calm down.Slow, deep breaths are recommended in order to calm down.Call someone to help you if you feel like harming your child because you're too angry.If you need someone to watch your toddler for a while, call your partner or trusted friend.Most parents will experience an experience where they lose it at some point or another.Knowing how you will handle it is the best thing you can do.
Step 7: Positive attention will help reduce future tantrums.
If your child can only get your attention by throwing a tantrum, then they will use this as a way to get what they want from you.It is important that you pay attention to them when they are doing well.If you notice that they are acting well, give them lots of cuddles and love.Don't let negative behavior get in the way of your attention.If your child doesn't throw a fit at the store, you can take them to the park or let them pick out a treat.Good behavior has consequences.
Step 8: Pick your battles.
It's important to remember this when you have a toddler.If you tell your child that they can't do anything, they will feel like they have no control, and they are going to throw a fit.Think about why you are saying no before you say no.If it is not that big of a deal to you, then let them have it.Allowing your child to have more choices is one way to give them a sense of control.Pick out a few outfits and let them choose what to wear.Give them a couple of options and let them choose which one they want.These are small things that will not make a big difference to you, but will make your toddler feel like they have some control over what happens to them.
Step 9: Clear boundaries are needed for behavior.
Setting clear boundaries for what is expected from your child is important for their development.This doesn't mean you set boundaries as a dictator, but that you show them that limits are there to protect them.If you are setting a limit for your toddler, think about why.Limits that aren't really necessary may be set in some cases.Limits related to your toddler's safety and treating other people respectfully are important.If you set a limit for safety, make sure you do it with compassion.You can say to your child, "When we are crossing the street together, I expect you to hold my hand the entire time."This can be boring for you.There are cars in the street, but you want to play.You may get hurt if you run into the street.Let's look for cars together.
Step 10: Take your child out for a while.
The timeout is used to discipline a child for bad behavior.It is an effective way for many children.Put your child in a safe spot away from dangerous objects and toys, and within your view.If your child doesn't comply, give them one warning and explain what will happen.Pick them up and put them in the time out.You can set a timer for the amount of time you want.A time out for toddlers should last a few minutes.Ask your child if they are ready to talk after the time out is over.If they just want to sit there for a while, don't force them to do anything.You need to give one warning.If your child is throwing a tantrum, you can say, "If you don't stop this you'll have to have a time out for two minutes."Don't keep warning them.The toddler will catch on to the fact that you don't really mean it.
Step 11: Don't allow yourself to be tempted to spank your child.
If you were spanked as a child, it can be tempting to spank your child in the middle of a major tantrum.There is a lot of research showing that spanking can cause more serious issues that can last a lifetime.Children who are spanked are more likely to have behavioral problems.Children who are spanked have the same issues as children who have been victims of more serious forms of physical abuse.spanking is as harmful to your child as any other form of physical abuse, and should not be used for discipline.Give your child a firm hug when they are angry.This display of your affection for them and the comfort from the hug may be enough to calm your child down a bit.
Step 12: Show your child other ways to talk.
It can be very frustrating for toddlers if they can't make you understand what they want.Many parents teach their children basic sign language to help them communicate.You can try and understand what they are asking for if you don't want to teach it.If you don't understand what your child wants, ask them to show you.Look where they are pointing to to see if you can figure it out.If you are still having a hard time, let them walk in the direction they were pointing to to see if they will show you what they are asking for.Some parents teach their children the signs for things that they often ask for.Milk, water, food, bathroom, a nap, toy, movie, etc.It is possible to put yourself in their shoes.If you couldn't find the right way to help someone understand, how would you feel?
Step 13: Speak calmly to your child.
It will only make the situation worse if your child senses that you are angry.Don't yell or talk in an angry voice with your child.Ask your child to tell you what they need from you.Children are influenced by their environment.They will be more likely to calm down if you remain calm and collected.
Step 14: It's a bad idea to make your child feel bad.
If you look for it, there is value.It is possible to help your child understand how to behave when they are upset.Your child will have a lot of emotions.They will definitely have negative emotions, but hopefully the good will outweigh the bad.You should not tell your child that they are bad for doing that.Try to help them see healthier ways to express their frustration instead of pointing out their bad behavior.When your child calms down, try to empathise with them because they didn't get the toy they wanted at the store.You can say, "I understand why you're angry."Does yelling and screaming help when we don't get what we want?You can tell me why you are angry, instead of screaming.
Step 15: All tantrums occur for one reason.
It is possible for a toddler to have a tantrum because they didn't get what they wanted or because something happened that they did not want.If your child doesn't know how to communicate, they might throw a temper tantrum.A tantrum is a way for kids who can communicate to gain control over a situation where they aren't getting what they want.If you keep this in mind, you will not be able to take a tantrum as a sign that you are doing something wrong.It is your responsibility as a parent to know what is good for your child.If they are throwing a tantrum because they aren't getting what they want all the time, you can remind yourself that you are just looking out for their best interest.
Step 16: The situation should not be set up for failure.
A child who is tired, bored, hungry, overstimulated or both is ready to throw a temper tantrum.This is the same as an adult.It's more likely that you snap at your partner when you're hungry or tired.It is likely that your child will be in a bad mood if your schedule is not changed.A big shopping trip is boring for your child if they haven't had lunch or a nap.The second your child doesn't get what they want, they are almost definitely going to throw a tantrum.
Step 17: Understand that some children are more sensitive than others.
Children who are sensitive are more likely to throw a big party.They feel angry when they don't get what they want.If you teach your child to use their emotions in a healthy way, this sensitivity can work to their advantage.Many of the things your child does are to figure out how the world works.They throw a tantrum to see if they can get what they want out of the situation.
Step 18: Call your health care provider.
If your child is throwing more and more frequently, more intensely, or for longer periods, you should contact your doctor to see if there is a more serious cause.You can discuss healthy ways to deal with the tantrums with your doctor.If your child can't see or hear, or has a learning disability, they may throw a lot of tantrums.You should contact your doctor if you feel that you can't control your anger.Don't feel embarrassed.If you accept your limitations and find a way to deal with your own emotions more effectively, you will be proud of yourself.