Many parents have absolutely no idea about how to handle their toddler’s temper tantrums. Often times, it may seem like you are getting nowhere because your child is not listening to you. Imagine this: You’re at home trying to get some work done. Your 2-year-old son comes up to you with his favorite book. He wants you to read to him. You tell him sweetly that you can’t at the moment, but you will read to him in an hour. He starts to pout. Next thing you know, he’s sitting cross-legged on the carpet, crying uncontrollably. Situations like this can be very exasperating for parents.
Temper tantrums are a very normal part of growing up. They are your 2-year-old child’s way of expressing their frustrations when they don’t have the exact words or language to tell you what they need or feel. It is your toddler’s way of learning to deal with new challenges and disappointments as a human being.
Two-year-olds do not usually have tantrums on purpose, unless they are learning that having a tantrum is the easiest way to get your attention. Tantrums do not mean that your child is not being bad or trying to upset you. Rather, they are upset themselves and find it difficult to express their feelings as articulately as adults can.
There are several ways of responding to tantrums without negatively affecting your child’s overall growth and development. Here are a few tips to help you along the way:
I. Hug them
II. Shower them with kisses and soothing, affectionate words
III. Distract them and divert their attention. If for example, your child is crying or demanding for a knife, you could give them a spoon instead with a smile on your face.
IV. Try thinking like your toddler
V. Help your child explore
Finding other ways to communicate can help cut down on outbursts and help you build a stronger bond with your child.
Disciplining your toddler requires you to balance both sterness, sternness and sympathy. You will need to set limits. Setting limits helps your child master self control. You also need to remember that tantrums are a normal part of your child’s development. Try to remember to stay cool and calm while addressing the problem so as to prevent the possibility of future tantrums.
