Simple Tricks to Tame the Tantrums of Toddlers

Throwing tantrums is one of the ways of expressing discomfort, dislikes, frustration and many other negative feeling for toddlers. Therefore, it is a must to handle such situations smartly. Read on to find about some simple tricks to tame the tantrums of toddlers.Toddler tantrums can take place anywhere – at home, at a friend’s party, at a shopping complex or even at a picnic. Toddlers, who are children between the ages 1 to 3, are still developing their coping skills and they might be unable to communicate a simple need.It is observed that tantrums are more frequent in strong-willed and emotionally-deep children. This could be due to their desire to communicate being faster than their verbal ability, causing frustration. As for parents, it is equally exhausting to deal with a meltdown every day. However, by observing your child’s behaviour and using a few tips, it will be easier to tame her tantrums. In this articleIdentify the TriggersDistract the ChildRespect your Child’s FeelingsSet a Good ExampleLet Her Vent Out her Frustration1. Identify the TriggersThink about what causes the child to throw tantrums. When and where do they often get triggered? Have a proper routine for her mealtime, playtime and naptime. As a toddler, her vocabulary is very limited. Therefore, teach your child to communicate her needs through sign language for asking for basic things such as water, milk, nap or food. Ask her to point out what’s bothering her. Once you know what triggers her frustration, you can avoid them altogether.2. Distract the ChildThis is probably the oldest trick in the book – to divert the child with a toy or a cartoon. Carry a few small toys or candies in your purse, and bring them out one at a time till something catches your child’s attention. Children have very short attention spans, so you can avoid a meltdown even before it starts. If your child is irritated because you are not giving her an ice-cream before dinner, try changing the topic quickly. Say something like, “The Mickey Mouse show is coming on TV. Let’s watch it together.”3. Respect your Child’s FeelingsUsing discipline may worsen the situation. Keep in mind any recent changes in your child’s life – potty training, nursery or parental separation. These issues need more sympathy and delicacy. Make her feel understood by saying, “I know that makes you sad”. This will help her not to bottle up her feelings but gradually express them into words. Hugs and tickles can comfort children beautifully, just like the silly songs, laughter and toys do.4. Set a Good ExampleChildren always watch, observe and learn from their parents. Stay calm in sticky situations, which encourage your child to do the same. Similarly, keep a cool head when dealing with a cranky child. Shouting and punishments will only end in a power struggle. Child psychologists say children mostly resort to meltdowns to get attention. Talking to her in a calm voice tells your child that you would not be affected by her behaviour. It relaxes you as well, and gives you the opportunity to look for solutions.5. Let Her Vent Out her FrustrationWhen your child throws tantrums she wants you to be there for her. Say positive things like, “I’m there for you.” Prepare your child for bedtime or for saying goodbye to mommy for playschool. Make her say bye-bye to her toys before bedtime, or say bye-bye to everyone before her first day at playschool. This gives her the time to adapt to the situation.Sometimes, you just cannot control your child’s tantrums. You need to let her vent out her emotions in the way she knows best. After the release of steam, she will automatically regain self-control. You can even say something, “it’s time to stop now” and then count to 10. Do not be harsh but let the child take her time in calming down. Through this technique, they learn that it is okay to be angry and how express their feelings.Toddlers generally grow out of their “tantrum phase” once their vocabulary increases and their understanding develops. The way you counter their childhood tantrums is important. Yelling will not help but providing comfort is what can contribute to their future self-expression.Why do toddlers throw tantrums? How to deal with toddlers when they throw tantrums? Can punishing toddlers help to deal with tantrums? Discuss here.