Being a parent is a full-time job, and that means that you need to know what to do and how to react in every situation. Watching your baby grow into a toddler is a proud time for every mom and dad, but it comes with all the bad and the good things as well. Tantrums are normal for every child, and they can start happening as early as two years of age. However, they can be really stressful for the parents.
If you notice that your children are having tantrums, there are some things that you can do to help your child go through it and minimize their occurrence. Continue reading if you want to know what experts and parents are saying about tantrums and how to handle them.
Try to understand why they are happening
The first thing you need to do is understand why your child is having a tantrum. Is it because they are in pain, do they need attention, or do they want something they know they cannot get? Sometimes, when children are going through new things, like starting kindergarten, that can be stressful for them, and they may show it through tantrums.
They may feel like you are not paying attention to them, and they may feel lonely or scared about something. Try to talk to them and see what the reason behind this behaviour is.
Learn the triggers
When you notice the tantrum is happening, try to see what caused it. Is it a specific toy, a conversation, or maybe a person they need to spend time with when they don’t want to? Knowing that when we change habits, like giving them a different toy to sleep with or even bathe with, it can cause a tantrum. The sooner you find out what their triggers are, the easier it will be for you to avoid them or talk to your child and explain things the best you can.
Don’t yell or shout
Shouting will not get you anywhere, and the more you raise your voice, the louder your child will be. Lead by example, and lower your voice. When you start talking in a normal tone, chances are, your little one will do the same. You can calmly tell them that you are here and listening to them and that they don’t need to yell.
When you approach your toddler as an adult, they will understand and feel that, and they will try to explain why they are feeling angry or sad.
Spend time with your children
Spending time with your kids is the best way to minimize tantrums. We all want attention, and children crave and need it. You are their parent, and you are the most important person in their lives. They see you as their support, guidance, and guardian, and they want to know they have your undivided attention.
Between house chores, a full-time job, and everything else, it can be difficult to spend as much time as you want with your little ones, but you need to be as present as possible when you do. Don’t look at your phone, don’t ignore them, and be there for them. Think of new games to play with them, tell them a story, or go out on a walk with them.
Children throw tantrums when they feel they are not being heard
Know that your child is more likely to be angry, sad, or throw a tantrum when feeling like they are not being noticed or heard. Just because they are young does not mean they don’t have feelings, questions, or curiosity.
Try to be as present in your child’s life as possible, and validate their feelings no matter how small or irrelevant they feel to you. Just because you don’t see something as a problem, it does not mean it’s not the biggest problem in their lives. Talk to your children, help them explain what they are feeling, and never disregard their emotions. Help them share before they get angry.
Stand your ground
The bottom line is, sometimes our children will throw a tantrum when they want something they know they cant have. This can happen at the supermarket when they know they are not allowed to have more candies when they want more screen time or don’t want to eat something they know they have to.
They will do this to try and get things their way, and you should stand your ground. Please don’t give in, and don’t allow them to have anything they want to calm down. Talk to them, stay patient, stay calm, and teach them they can get much more when they politely ask than crying and screaming.
Dealing with your children’s tantrums will not always be easy, but the sooner you start working on it, the better it will be. If nothing else is helping, you can always talk to a professional and see what they recommend. Stay calm, have patience, and know that things will get better in time.
