You may have visited a friend’s house recently only to find their toddler frantically running around the dining room set in a tantrum. At that very site, you probably thought to yourself that this would never be your child. Reality check: tantrums are a normal part of the growing process. It is a way that toddlers express their frustrations or stresses.
Tantrums are a release of a toddler’s frustrations of a stressful, or buildup of stressful, situations. Stressful in a toddler’s case can be: not getting the snack when they want it, or a broken toy or more attention given to a brother or sister by the main caretaker. Tantrums shouldn’t be taken personally, because they are usually an expression of frustration. The next time your toddler pulls the king quilt from your bed in a rage, try to put his/her actions in perspective.
Challenges are great ways to help your child grow. However, if a challenge becomes a frustration it can also turn into a tantrum. Try to be present when your child is tackling a challenging puzzle or game. Try to move things along with helpful hints when things are at a standstill. This will help prevent tough frustrations.
Prevent marathons circling round dining room sets by your toddler when throwing a tantrum by learning what actually triggers these fetes. Notice when he/she is most likely to throw one. Is it when they are tired? Is it when you are in the kitchen preoccupied, or when you are out on a long shopping trip? Notice a trend, if there is one.
When you know what causes a tantrum you can work to prevent it. For example, if you find that whenever you are in the grocery store for too long your child becomes tired and overwhelmed. As a result, a tantrum occurs. Plan for shorter trips, and keep healthy snacks on hand.
Keep track of what your toddler eats. Too often, sweets can heighten blood sugar levels and you will have to deal with mood swings as a result. Avoid caffeine in your child because this can have an affect that lasts for hours.
Make sure to give your toddler enough time to listen to what they have to say. If you listen to what your child has to say you are validating their emotions. Feeling ignored will only exasperate the problem. Put yourself in their tiny shoes. If you were trying to say something that was important to you and no one was listening, you would probably feel frustrated as well.