BabyBites

Toddlers and Tantrums and How to Avoid Them

By: Ellen Peppercorn, a mom of 3 girls ages 4, 2 and 10 months and has abandoned a shopping cart on more than one occasion. You can find her blogging daily at Thrifty & Chic Mom.

For some reason once our children become toddlers they inevitably begin throwing huge, embarrassing mind boggling tantrums and it is no fun for anyone. While I wish I could say there is a magic cure, just do these things and your child will never tantrum, I can’t. But I can give you a few tips on how to avoid creating situations that trigger tantrums. Often once our children become more independent we can forget how young they are and start asking them to do things that they are not quite ready for. For example young kids need food about every 2 hours. So spending the whole morning running from store to store is asking for a very big public tantrum. Here are a few suggestions on how to avoid and diffuse toddler tantrums.

- Feed your child every 2 hours. Keep snacks with you at all times whether you have them in your car or your purse never go out without food. When your child gets hungry they most likely will not communicate this verbally instead they will become very crabby and difficult to deal with. If you anticipate there hunger and keep them fed and hydrated you can avoid meltdowns.

- Be strict about sleep. As inconvenient as it can be, especially during the summer, do not mess with your child’s sleep schedule. Make sure they are still going to bed at the same time and still napping at the same time. It is tempting to let them stay up later in order to enjoy an activity but you will pay for it for several says with a grouchy child.

- Have clear expectations. If your child knows the expectations in a situation it is easier for them. Often times a tantrum happens when they feel overwhelmed or unsure. If they understand the situation they feel more secure and less need to act out.

- Have clear repercussions. If you are going to punish your child for certain behavior make sure they are aware of the consequences and follow through. Empty threats only make things worse for both of you.

- Do not lose your cool. If you get upset because it is embarrassing to have your child act out you will just feed the situation. If your child is tantruming in a public place simply remove them from the situation quickly and calmly. Sometimes the cart has to be abandoned in order to deal with your child.

- Remember they are still young. Sometimes it is hard to remember your child is not trying to drive you crazy they have a real need that they are unable to express. Whether they are hungry, tired or just overwhelmed try to find the cause of the tantrum and deal with it accordingly. Getting upset only makes the situation worse. I find it helps to be compassionate when seeking to find the root of the issue then you can both get what you want a calm child and calm mom.