Managing Toddler Tantrums: Top Advice for New Parents

Managing Toddler Tantrums!

Managing Toddler Tantrums! Every parent is aware that toddlers can be somewhat problematic! They laugh for one minute and then go down to the floor, wailing. Children between the ages of one and three are prone to frequent outbursts, sometimes called tantrums. For parents, tantrums can be disruptive and draining, but knowing this will help them manage them more easily. Let’s look at the reasons for tantrums and offer some basic, helpful advice for managing them.

Why Do Toddlers Have Tantrums?

Toddlers still develop their ability to control strong emotions. They frequently lack the language to communicate their emotions and become agitated quickly. Should things not go as planned, kids can become overwhelmed and have a tantrum. Managing Toddler Tantrums!

Here are some typical causes of toddler outbursts:

• Toddlers still learn how to accomplish things even though they wish to be autonomous. They may become frustrated when they can’t finish a chore, like stacking blocks, putting on shoes or tying shoelaces.
• A sleepy or hungry child is more likely to have a meltdown.
• Sometimes, toddlers act out to get their parents’ or caregivers’ attention.
• Too much noise, excitement, or novel events could overwhelm a young child.
• Complexity Toddlers at this age lack a large vocabulary. They could yell or cry if they could not communicate their preferences.

Knowing these causes will enable you to respond more coolly and deliberately when a tantrum strikes.

Best Tips for Handling Toddler Tantrums

1. Remain Calm- Managing Toddler Tantrums

It is normal to feel annoyed or ashamed when your child is having a tantrum, especially in public. Still, you have to keep cool. If you become agitated, your youngster may become much more hyperactive. Breathe deeply, remind yourself that tantrums will happen, and reply gently. By remaining cool-headed, you teach your child there’s no need to panic.

2. Indicate Understanding with Simple Words

Your child might need help to grasp lengthy explanations when they are having a tantrum, but simple phrases will assist. Say, “I see you’re upset,” or “I know it’s tough.” These phrases help your youngster know you appreciate their emotions and offer compassion. Knowing you understand often helps them feel safer.

3. Divert Them- Managing Toddler Tantrums

Distraction is an excellent weapon for parents of young children. When you see a tantrum developing, change your child’s attention to something else. You might divert them to another activity like drawing or toy play or highlight something fascinating, like a bird outside the window. An essential change of surroundings or activity can stop the outburst from worsening.

4. Establish Unambiguous Limits

Children cannot feel safe without limits. Toddlers need autonomy but must also know what is and isn’t acceptable. When you create and follow well-defined limits, your child picks up on them. When they toss toys, for instance, gently remind them, “Toys are for playing, not for throwing.” Try not to cave into tantrums if you want peace; be strong but gentle. This will show them that having outfits won’t help them get what they want.

5. Remain Close but Avoid Overreaction

While trying to straighten things out right away is tempting when a youngster has a tantrum, this can occasionally worsen things. Instead, keep near and project a calm demeanour. Offer your child a hug if they want one; however, if they need space, honour that, too. Tell them you are here for them without hovering too much. If you strike this mix of intimacy and respect, your child will feel safe as they work through their emotions.

6. Implement Positive Reinforcement- Managing Toddler Tantrums

Whenever feasible, praise positive behaviour. Tell your child you noticed if they can calm down independently or follow instructions without becoming agitated. A primary “Good job staying calm!” or “Thank you for listening!” will go a long way. Positive reinforcement helps your toddler see and value positive behaviour.

7. Provide Options- Managing Toddler Tantrums

Toddlers enjoy having control, so giving them small choices will help prevent outbursts. Rather than saying, “Time to get dressed,” ask, “Do you want to wear the red or blue shirt?” Giving them options helps them feel included and lessens the likelihood of resistance. Just ensure that both choices fit your comfort level.

8. Maintain Consistent Routines- Managing Toddler Tantrums

Routines provide toddlers with comfort. Knowing what to expect enables kids to feel in charge of their environment. Continue regular rituals, including sleep, nap times, and feeding times. Knowing what is ahead helps individuals be less prone to feel offended. If you always read a book before bed, your child will know when to turn in for sleep once the narrative ends.

9. Instruct Simple Strategies for Emotional Expression

You may teach young children basic emotional expression methods despite their limited vocabulary. Teach terms like “happy,” “sad,” “mad,” or “tired.” Ask your upset child, “Are you mad because we have to leave the park?” This helps individuals recognise and name their feelings, lessening their frustration. Also useful are gestures like demonstrating “quiet hands” or “calm breaths.”

10. Guide Them to Calm Down

Your toddler can occasionally need help quieting down during a tantrum. Guide them to count to three with you or inhale deeply. Your toddler could even unwind in a “calm corner” you create at home using soft toys and books. Early on, instruction in soothing techniques will enable your child to develop emotional control as they grow.

Behaviours to Avoid During a Tantrum

There are things to avoid, much as there are sensible strategies for managing tantrums:

• Don’t Yell or Punish- Reacting to anger with more anger will exacerbate matters. Recall that your youngster struggles to manage their emotions; they are not acting “bad.”
• If your child throws a fit because they want a treat and you give it to them, they will learn that tantrums have outcomes. Stay strong with reasonable, consistent limitations.
• Do not take it personally. If your child is screaming in a public or commercial space, you may feel ashamed, but remember that tantrums are expected of developing children. It does not follow that you are a terrible parent.

How to Manage Public Tantrums

Though all parents go through this, public tantrums can feel quite challenging.

 Here’s how to manage a tantrum away from your house:

• Stay Calm: Look past any critical stares and concentrate on your youngster. They need your cool head and encouraging nature.
• Move your child to a quieter space to help them feel less stressed.
• Bring out a beloved toy, a snack, or a consoling item to help them relax.
• Speak with simple words, speak gently, and show empathy, like in “I know you’re upset because we have to leave.”

Tantrums are simply a phase of development for your child. Tantrums should go down as your child develops, as their vocabulary grows, and they can communicate. 

Applying these straightforward techniques teaches your child to manage feelings more sensibly. Every parent goes through this phase; hence, with time and patience, you and your child will also pass through it.

Though they can be difficult, tantrums are transient. Follow these guidelines; soon, your youngster will show improvement in managing their intense emotions.

Parenting Genie has you covered if you are seeking even more help with toddler tantrums and other parenting difficulties. Genie Chat from Parenting Genie is available 24/7 to answer your parenting questions. 

Do you require tailored advice? For professional advice specifically for your family, schedule a one-on-one consultation with a Maternal Child Health Nurse. Discover the Parenting Genie Library, a toolkit of resources to enable you to boldly control toddler behaviour and beyond. Remember: Parenting Genie is here to help you every step of the road; you are not traveling alone!

The Raising Children website has some additional tips and insights for managing toddler behaviours.