We’ve all been there. Dealing with our child throwing temper tantrums. Typically, it’s occurring in the worst place imaginable. While you can’t eliminate temper tantrums altogether. You can prevent a majority of temper tantrums that occur in toddlers with these 5 simple steps.
STEP 1
Consistency and routine are SUPER important when it comes to toddlers. When they live in a predictable schedule. They will know EXACTLY what to expect throughout the day. Preventing the breakdowns that are caused by the element of surprise. Routine is key for any baby/toddler.
STEP 2
Let your child make simple choices. This plays a major role in preventing breakdowns for your toddlers.
Ex. hold out two shirts and ask your child which shirt they want to wear today.
This prevents the breakdown of “I wanna wear this shirt”
You have control over which shirt gets worn that day (picking two you like, of course)
This leads to, everyone’s happiness and no breakdown from your toddler.
STEP 3
Prepare them. Let them know before something happens. Ex. “We are going to leave the park and go home in 10 minutes” By giving them a heads up will prevent the element of shock. They will not be caught off guard when in 10 minutes you tell them it’s time to go home. They will expect it.
Another example. Say your child watching TV. If you come in and shut it off, this could develop into a tantrum. Your child did not expect you to turn the TV off. They were fully focused on the movie and displaying a temper tantrum instantly is the only way they know how to express their frustration. Similar to above. If you give them a heads up, “after this scene, we are going to turn the TV off and go eat dinner”. When it’s time to turn the TV off since they have had the opportunity to prepare and know what to expect. This will help prevent temper tantrums.
STEP 4
Praise good behavior. Tell your child when they do something good. Your child will become the words you speak to them. So, it’s important to praise good behavior so that in the future, you will help create more good behavior from your little one.
STEP 5
Keep your cool. It’s important to always keep calm and not get upset when you see a tantrum forming or if one’s already developed. This will help de-escalate your child’s emotions when they notice and feel your calmness.
Remember, EVERY child is going to have tantrums. It’s part of them growing up, they are figuring out how to control the emotions they feel. It’s like when a baby cries when it’s hungry. That’s the only way for the baby to communicate he/she is hungry, is by crying. Oftentimes, with toddlers. A tantrum is their little bodies expressing anger, frustration, sadness, hurt, etc. Give yourself a lot of grace and always remember you are doing your best and you’re a great mom.