Toddler temper tantrums can be irritating for you as a parent. You might find it difficult to cope with them, but this is important to find the possible reasons behind those tantrums and handle them accordingly. Kids between 1 to 4 years of age are more likely to lose temper because emotions are developing in them and they do not know how to handle their emotions. Kids easily get frustrated or start crying when they do not get what they want.
Sometimes parents can have their outbursts too on those sudden tantrums and they think they are not good enough in handling their child. We need to understand that these temper tantrums are common and can be handled. So let’s figure out the ways to handle your child’s temper tantrums.
1) Try to ignore the situation–
If your child is throwing a tantrum, try to ignore them. If your child is not physically hurting himself or others, leave him/her alone for some time and set a timer to check on them.
2) Handle aggressive behaviour immediately–
Your child is hurting himself because you are not getting him/her the toy he/she wants. If you see the aggressive behaviour of your child, stop him/her immediately and tell them that their emotions are acceptable but the aggressive behaviour is not. They should not hurt themselves or someone else during the meltdown.
3) Do not yell–
Parents often yell at their child to stop tantrums immediately but this is not the solution. Kids copy what the elders do. If you yell at your child, they would think that this is the way we react when we do not like something or someone is not listening to us. They might end up matching your volume to get what they want. Remember that your child is throwing tantrums because he/she is frustrated or sad and yelling is not going to help.
4) Let your child be angry–
Sometimes you should let your child be angry. Your child will be angry for some time and will try to regain self-control. Your child will learn to control his/her emotions. This technique lets your child get their emotions out and then control themselves without being angry yelling.
5) Give in to tantrums–
This strategy is very helpful in some cases. You need to understand where you should be using this strategy and where you should not. If your child is angry because you are not buying him/her expensive toys and you give in to this situation, your child will do it again and again whenever he/she will want something. But in a different scenario where your child wants to play with you and you are busy washing clothes, you can delay the work a bit and play with your child for some time.
6) Brief and easy commands –
Young kids can be diverted easily. You can easily divert their mind by giving them easy and brief commands like- let’s play this interesting game, water the plants, get some chocolate. These commands can grab your toddler’s attention quickly and he/she can be diverted from their tantrums.
7) A hug–
A big, firm hug can make your child feel comfortable and help release their anger and sadness. This makes your child feel secure and understand that you care for them. Do not say a word while doing it and leave the room.
8) Help undo frustration–
Sometimes children get frustrated or angry because they are not able to do a particular task. Calmly teach your child how to do it so they do not need help next time. Always keep your child’s safety in mind. If your child is angry because he cannot jump on the walls, try to explain that this can be dangerous for him/her and he/she should not be doing it at any cost.
9) Move Locations during public tantrums –
Sometimes toddlers start throwing tantrums in malls, restaurants, or any other public place which can be embarrassing for you. Change the location quickly, take your child to the quieter place which can be the washroom or your car, and wait for your child to calm down. Calmly explain your situation and listen to your child carefully.
10) Prepare yourself in advance –
Before going out with your child, always make sure that your child is well-fed and well-rested. Carry a toy or a book to keep your child busy. Do not forget to involve your child with you, you can give a pen and a paper with the written grocery list and your child will tick the item you have added to your cart. Add some items of your child’s choice and reward them at the end.
11) Advance warning –
Always warn your child in advance because a sudden action can be disappointing for them. Your child is enjoying the horse ride and you suddenly say that it’s time to go, there are very high chances that your child will get angry and sad. You can tell your child that you can have 5 rides and after that, we will leave the park so that your child has it in mind and is already prepared for this.
12) Control yourself–
Sometimes parents give in to tantrums when they are out in a crowded place. Parents find it embarrassing and try to stop their child’s tantrums so they easily get their child what they want, but this works as a good strategy for children to get something easily. Toddlers start doing it again and again whenever you’re out. To cope with this situation, try to show that you are not embarrassed and behave like everything is under control.
13) Stick with your demand–
Always stick with your original demand. Your child got upset because you told him/her to finish their homework and if they do not do it, you will not let them play outside. Once they are calm, follow with the original demand and do not let them play if homework is not complete.
14) Talk to your child–
Sometimes children get frustrated or sad because they do not know how to express their feelings. They want to get something by just crying or getting angry. Once your child is calmed down, ask your child why they got angry and let them speak. Listen to them carefully and then try to explain your point calmly.
15) Don’t take it personally–
Your child might say something out of anger that can hurt you, but you do not need to take their words personally. It was just a momentary reaction and they did not mean it.
