Consider this: Your two-year-old thinks that throwing a full-fledged tantrum is the best thing to do in the grocery store, and it works. Or maybe it’s your three-year-old throwing a fit because someone else is unwrapping the presents during a birthday celebration. Are you able to identify this? In that case, you are not alone. Toddler tantrums are a common and inevitable aspect of being a parent, especially for those with children aged one to four. Although the toddlers may find these tantrums challenging, parents and other carers often find them to be much more challenging.
Understanding Toddler Tantrums
Temperament outbursts can take numerous forms:
Screaming and shouting
Though it might seem endless, this stage will finally come to an end. Having a couple aces up your sleeve to handle these kinds of circumstances is helpful.
Expert Guidance on Managing Toddler Outbursts
Doctor Svetlana Pomeranets, a paediatrician, provides practical guidance for parents navigating the choppy waters of their toddlers’ tantrums. These are some of her great moves:
1. Modify Their diversion of attention is a helpful tool. Shifting your child’s attention to anything else can help break the potential tantrum. If a tantrum is already well begun, let it end.
Dr. Pomeranets asserts that “addressing the trigger during a tantrum will only prolong it.” “Offering choices or asking why they’re acting out can intensify the tantrum, like fanning the flames of a smouldering fire.”
Speaking about feelings during a tantrum can incite misbehaviour. Use verbal or physical redirection to shift their focus instead.
2. Hold On To Your Empathy
Patience is the key to dealing with a tantrum. Your composure can be consoling.
“A calm physical presence, without speaking, can be very effective,” states Dr. Pomeranets. “Gently placing your hand on the child’s shoulder or back can work wonders.”
Punishment for risky behaviours including punching, kicking, and throwing must be severe. However, yelling or overreacting only exacerbates the circumstance.
She goes on, “Ignore the behaviour while ensuring safety.”
It’s crucial to keep things consistent. Allow your child to use their tantrum as an outlet at home. When you’re in public, move them aside as quickly as you can, keep your cool, and resist caving in to peer pressure.
3. Hold Your Ground
There’s a tremendous urge to give in and terminate the tantrum. Resist the urge.
Dr. Pomeranets warns that “sending in” sends the wrong message. “It makes future tantrums more likely.”
When you say no, stick to your word. If you decide to change your mind, your toddler will learn that having tantrums is a worthwhile strategy.
4. Discuss Emotions Following a Tantrum
Talk to your youngster about their behaviour and emotions once the storm has passed. Remind children to communicate their feelings by using phrases like “I understand you’re upset or angry.”
Discuss more avenues for children to express empathy and communicate their emotions.
Determine Triggers: This entails figuring out what circumstances or occurrences could set off a tantrum in your youngster. For instance, tell your youngster before you enter a store that they aren’t going to be able to have a candy bar. This proactive conversation can assist in controlling expectations and possibly prevent a tantrum brought on by dissatisfaction or disappointment.
Preserve Consistency: Toddlers require a routine to be followed religiously. This regularity is especially true for routine tasks like sleeping and eating. Make sure your child is well-rested and not hungry before scheduling any activities or travels, as these conditions can worsen irritation and raise the risk of tantrums. For longer excursions, packing snacks and drinks contributes to their stability and comfort.
Give Your Child Options: Giving your child choices makes them feel more powerful and in control of their surroundings. Let them select what to wear or to choose between two different lunch options, for example. This feeling of independence might help avoid power struggles that could turn into tantrums and lessen irritation.
Handle Boredom:
Tantrums can be significantly triggered by boredom. You can keep your youngster from acting out and getting bored by getting them involved in exciting and intriguing activities. The best activities to keep kids interested and satisfied are those that appeal to their imagination and sense of wonder.
Get Ready for Transitions:
Changes in routine or activities are often difficult for toddlers to adjust to. Giving kids advance notice of impending changes, like moving to a new house or welcoming a new sibling, might help them feel less anxious and less likely to have tantrums because they are uncomfortable or apprehensive about the changes.
Put Your Child’s Needs First:
A child’s general wellbeing and ability to control their emotions depend on getting enough food and sleep. Sleep deprivation and malnourishment can exacerbate irritability and increase the likelihood of tantrums. You’re building a stronger foundation for improved emotional stability and behaviour management by giving priority to their bodily needs.
By creating a consistent and encouraging atmosphere, these proactive techniques seek to enhance your child’s development in addition to averting tantrums. Through the identification of triggers, consistent discipline, providing options, easing boredom, planning for transitions, and putting your child’s needs first, you may drastically lower the likelihood of tantrums and promote your child’s emotional well-being.
When to Seek Help
Tantrums can happen up to three times a day and last, on average, fifteen minutes. They are still directed at parents and caretakers, but by the age of four, they ought to have significantly diminished.
“But, Dr. Pomeranets says that there are “good tantrums” and “regular tantrums.” “A toddler shouldn’t be attacking others or severely injuring themselves during a tantrum.”
If you’re concerned about your child’s tantrums, consult your doctor for guidance and support. Remember that you’re not travelling by yourself.
Jessica’s View:
This guidebook, written by Dr. Svetlana Pomeranets, offers practical advice based on her experience and sensitivity. Understanding the causes of tantrums and maintaining a calm, deliberate demeanour helps significantly lessen the challenges related to this developmental stage. Remember that patience and empathy are your best allies. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, don’t be hesitant to seek expert help. All parents face these difficulties, but if you know how to handle them, you can confidently get through this stage.
Managing their toddler’s tantrums may be an educational and entertaining experience for parents. As each child is unique, there isn’t a single answer that suits them all. A person’s solution may not work for another. However, you can assist your child learn how to control their emotions and support them through this difficult period with the correct direction and a loving attitude. A journey of understanding, perseverance, and unconditional love, where each meltdown serves as a springboard for your child to develop better communication and emotional regulation.
