A toddler in the midst of a fit might be too hard to control. But even if it is impossible to stop your toddler from ever having a tantrum, there are many things you can do to prevent them. Here are some parent-tested tips on how to prevent toddler tantrums.

Identify The Triggers

What sets off your toddler to have a meltdown? The first step on how to prevent toddler tantrums is to figure out what sets off the behaviour so you can stop it before your toddler dissolves into a full-blown tantrum. For instance, avoid bringing your little one with you when you shop if you know he will just beg and whine for toys and treats. Choose restaurants with a quick service. Make sure your toddler is well-fed and well-rested before going to grandma’s house.

Give Your Toddler Choices

Giving your little one freedom to make his own choices gives him a sense of control which children constantly crave for. This is a very effective technique to prevent toddler tantrums. Substitute direct commands. Instead of saying “Put on your pajamas right now.” (which often sets off a battle), say, “Do you want to brush your teeth or put on your pajamas first?” or “Would you like to wear your blue pajamas or your white pajamas?”. Do not forget to compliment your toddler for his choice.

Encourage Your Toddler To Use Words

Most often, tantrums occur because a young child is unable to express his thoughts and feelings which make a toddler feel helpless. Teach your little one to say or sign words such as “hungry”, “sleepy”, “hurt”, “I want.” and “more”. The easier your toddler can communicate with you, the lesser the chances you are to struggle with tantrums.

Establish A Daily Routine

Toddlers thrive when there is consistency. Thus, it is very essential that you create a daily routine, including mealtimes, naptime, bedtime as well as everyday activities. See to it that you stick to the routine as much as possible. Having a routine helps your toddler know what to expect, giving him a feeling of security which in turn minimizes toddler tantrums.

Keep Your Toddler Busy

Plan active and quiet times for your little one. If you notice your toddler has been playing outdoors or around the house for quite some time, invite your toddler to sit quietly and read a story or finish a puzzle together. If you think your toddler has been cooped up in the house for hours, play active games, ask him to help you with household chores or take a walk around the neighbourhood to get some sun and fresh air.

Give Warnings

If there is any change of plans or activity, make sure you notify your toddler beforehand. For instance, before you pack up the toys or leave the playground, give your little one a 3- to 5-minute warning. Say something like, “We are about to leave in 5 minutes. It is almost time to say goodbye.”, “We will be cleaning up your toys in a while. After we pack them up, let us head to the kitchen and have a snack.”.

Provide Distractions

If you feel your toddler is about to have an outburst, try to distract your toddler. Play a new game. Go to the next room. Sing a song. Talk about anything under the sun. Be silly and make funny faces. It also helps to teach your toddler calming exercises such as counting to ten, taking a deep breath, going for a walk or writing.

Praise Good Behaviour

One way how to prevent toddler tantrums is to give children credit for their good behaviour. Give your toddler a big hug, kiss or a pat on the back for behaving well. Say “I am so happy you behaved in the restaurant.” or “Thank you for following mommy’s instructions.”.

Be A Good Example

Most importantly, there is no better technique how to prevent toddler tantrums by setting a good example for your toddler. If you shout when you are angry or frustrated, then expect your toddler to act the same way when he gets upset. Stay calm and be mature when dealing with difficult situations. Your toddler will see this and will most likely emulate the behaviour.

Toddler tantrums are normal. After all, it is a toddler’s way of expressing and experimenting with feelings. But, these preventive measures are very important in helping a toddler learn how to control emotions and display good behaviour.

With your toddler growing and learning rapidly, it is time to create a room to foster all of this. Selecting a theme for your toddler’s room can be quite a challenge. Luckily, there are a number of toddler room themes that can freshen up your toddler’s bedroom. Below are some clever ideas you can choose from.

Toddler Room Theme # 1: Underwater

An under the sea themed bedroom is one of the most popular toddler room themes for both boys and girls. First, paint the bedroom walls blue and you can add ocean waves, bubbles, corals and fishes in different colors, sizes and shapes. If you are wary about drawing the walls, you can try using removable wall decals or stickers. Use shower stick-ons for the windows, plastic shower curtains with fish or other under the sea designs as curtains and a plastic bathmat for the rug in front of your toddler’s drawing table. Carry on the theme with bedding that has fish or mermaids on them.

Toddler Room Theme # 2: Princess

Every little girl dreams of becoming a princess right? Why not make your little girl’s dream come true with a princess themed bedroom. Pick pastel-colored paint for the walls such as pink, yellow, purple and light blue. You can use a sponge to paint the wall to achieve a splash effect. Or, take a wall and add a mural that reflects a castle or any symbol associated with princesses. Look for a bed with a castle headboard or choose a bedcover that display your toddler’s favorite princess character. Do not forget to complete the look with dainty accessories such as laced curtains, decorative lamps and posters in glass frames.

Toddler Room Theme # 3: Race Car

Race car is another popular toddler room theme for little boys. You can have the wall painted with a race car track or in a subdued red color. Look for a toddler bed formed like a race car. Decorate the room with race car flags, checkered curtains or use hubcaps and other fun car accessories.

Toddler Room Theme # 4: The Wild Side

A safari-themed room is quite easy to pull off. You can paint the walls with tiger or zebra stripes or paint one wall with this pattern and the other walls with a complementing color. Drape some mosquito netting from the ceiling or over your little one’s bed to achieve that safari vibe. Select stuffed animal versions of your toddler’s favorite jungle animals and decorate the ceiling with glow-in-the-dark stars. Go to your local craft store and purchase some leafy vines and vividly colored flowers and drape them near the ceiling or around the windows and door.

Toddler Room Theme # 5: Artistic

If your toddler is the creative type or shows an interest in books and letters, try making your toddler’s bedroom into a nest of learning. Pick one wall to leave open and free. On the lower half of the wall, set up a dry erase board. Not only will it encourage your little one to draw on it over and over again but a dry erase board is also an ideal place to hang up his work of art. You may also install a cork board to add more artistic feel to an artsy themed room. But do make sure that the pushpins are high enough that your toddler cannot reach them. Add a few bookshelves and let your creative munchkin build a library of favorite do-it-yourself crafts, coloring books, picture books, etc. Place a small drawing table and a chair in the corner or in the middle of the room so your little one has his own den to keep busy with crayons, markers and paints. A comfy armchair and a reading light are also great additions to finish off your toddler’s artistic themed room.

Toddler Room Theme # 6: Superhero

Superheroes are also one of the most favored toddler room themes. You can either have the walls painted with superheroes or paint them with bright colors that will match your toddler’s superhero themed room decors. Choose bedspreads and blankets that display your toddler’s favorite superhero, line up his action figures, superhero toys and books. You can also hang a cape and some masks on his bedpost or wall.

Toddler bedrooms are a fun way for parents to show their children how much they love them. When choosing a theme for your toddler’s bedroom, make sure you ask your toddler’s opinion to make decorating a success.

Whether your toddler is in the backyard, park or at the beach, wearing sunscreen all year round is a must. Here is a round-up of the best sunscreen for toddlers.

Aveeno Baby Sunblock SPF 55

At the top of the list of the best sunscreen for toddlers is Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection SPF 55. This is a great sunscreen from the manufacturer of one of the best loved children’s products. It has UVA and UVB protection and active photo barrier complex which offers better and long-lasting sun protection. It is easy to apply and gentle on your toddler’s delicate skin. It is fragrance-free and water-resistant so it will not wear from sand, sweat or water. Plus, it has colloidal oatmeal to keep your toddler’s skin from losing its natural moisture which is great for toddlers with dry skin. You can buy this sunscreen at your local drugstores for $9.25 for a 4.5 ounce sized bottle.

Alba Botanica Natural Very Emollient Mineral Kids

Alba Botanica Natural Very Emollient Mineral Kids is also of one of the best sunscreen for toddlers. This is a natural, budge-free sunscreen with a broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection of SPF 30. It is waterproof (40 minutes), paraben-free and made of chemical-free sunscreen ingredients. This sunscreen is lightweight and fast absorbing. It contains grape seed oil and vitamin E offering antioxidant protection and aloe vera, jojoba oil and sunflower seed oil to keep a toddler’s skin soft and moisturized. Visit the Alba Botanica website if you want to purchase one (costs $10.99).

Badger SPF Sunscreen For Face and Body

Badger sunscreen is one of the safest sunscreen for toddlers on the market. It has a natural, hydrating and soothing way to protect your toddler’s skin from sun damage without causing irritation or leaving your toddler’s skin oily. It contains essential oils such as jojoba oil, cocoa butter, shea butter and lime oil which leave a light and pleasing fragrance. This also offers UVA and UVB protection and is water-resistant. You can buy one for $10.99 from pharmacies and grocery stores.

California Baby Water-resistant Hypoallergenic Sunscreen SPF30+

California Baby is also considered one of the best sunscreen for toddlers. It provides utmost protection for the sensitive skin of babies and toddlers. This formula is specifically formulated for young skin and will shield it from the harmful rays of the sun. It is water-resistant, chemical and PABA free, non-comedogenic and non-staining. It is a treat to put on, smells great and comes in a very cute packaging. It is a 2.9 ounce sized bottle (for $22.98) making it very handy – you can stick it in your pocket or stash it in your purse.

Mustela High Protection Sun Lotion SPF 50

Mustela High Protection Sun Lotion SPF 50 is a 100% mineral based sunscreen. It is perfect for toddlers because it ensures optimal defense from the sun with its extra broad spectrum (long and short UVA and UVB rays) as it contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. It is hypoallergenic so toddlers with very sensitive skin can use them. It is free of fragrance, sweat and water-resistant and has no chemical filters. Plus, it is easy to apply on skin and leaves a soft feeling. In addition, it is very affordable as it only costs $8.98.

Soleo Organics Sunscreen SPF 30+

Included in the list of the best sunscreen for toddlers is Soleo’s Organic Sunscreen SPF 30+. It is chemical free and is highly effective against sun damage. Made from all-natural ingredients, Soleo Organics Sunscreen SPF 30+ is ideal not just for young children but for the whole family as well. It uses the revolutionary micronized zinc technology to supply broad sun protection without leaving your toddler’s skin white. This brand is pricier (costs $22) but with the benefits and protection it offers your toddler’s skin, every dollar you spend is worth it.

Kiss My Face Sport Clear Spray Spritz

If you have a little athlete or a toddler who loves to spend almost all of his time outdoors, Kiss My Face Sport Clear Spray Spritz is your toddler’s perfect companion. It is quick-drying and sweat-resistant so it will not run into your toddler’s eyes and sting. It leaves a light coconut scent so your little one can stay sweet-smelling amidst the sweat. It is available in an 8 ounce sized bottle for $16.99.

Protecting your toddler’s skin is truly a must. These brands of sunscreen for toddlers are tried and tested by the experts and parents so they are guaranteed safe for the little ones.