Handling Temper Tantrums

Tantrums usually set in around the time your child becomes a toddler and happen because they are just growing and developing! Toddlers are just starting to try to figure out the world around them and sometimes that can be frustrating! It's just like when you are trying to figure out how to build the new bookshelf you bought without instructions, so frustrating! Toddlers are also just learning how to communicate and are understanding more than they can express which only adds to their frustrations.

Photo Credit

So what do you DO when  your child is having a tantrum? Here are some ideas:

• Most importantly, keep your cool! If you can manage to stay calm while your child is upset, it will help them to calm down too. If you are upset, their frustration will only escalate!
• Try to understand what's going on, every tantrum is different and if you try to know why your child's upset you're more likely to be able to help!
• Acknowledge why their upset, it may help them calm down and feel understood. "I know that you want a cookie" for example.
• Before you ignore the tantrum, try to work with them to help them feel understood. But giving them their space may help once you've done what you can to calm them down.
• Distract them! As little kids they have short attention spans so it may help to move onto something else.
• In the heat of the moment, it's hard to talk to your child and explain something. Wait until they've calmed down, they'll be more receptive to what you have to say.
• Don't reward a tantrum! Sometimes a tantrum may just be for attention, if you reward that behavior they will understand that the tantrums work to get what they want.

Photo Credit

Tantrums are not only frustrating for your toddler, they are frustrating for you too! It's hard when you're trying to eat at a restaurant or check out at the grocery store with a screaming child! Just remember that your little one is struggling and as their mama you can help! Understanding why they're upset, keeping calm and helping them understand the world around them is your job and you are well equipped to do it! Keep teaching him about the world and eventually, the tantrums will stop. We love moms at Help Me Grow and we know that you can make it through the tough tantrums!

HERE, HERE and HERE are some more helpful articles about temper tantrums