Generally, toddlers are full of emotions. Most often, these mixed emotions are what causes toddlers to throw a fit since they cannot completely relay what they feel. Tantrums happen even to the most well behaved children. Watching your little one go from being calm and cheerful to a series of crying and bashing is frustrating and stressful. But, the good news is that controlling your toddler’s tantrums is doable. You just have to know and understand what his feelings and desires are.

Toddler tantrums are absolutely normal. It is their way of coping with their feelings. According to studies, tantrums are a good sign that your toddler trusts you very much that he expects you to be able to determine what his thoughts and feelings are.

Tips For Coping With Your Toddler’s Tantrums

Losing one’s temper, spanking and hitting are not useful techniques when dealing with toddler tantrums as this will only increase their distraught. Here are a few simple yet proven tips to help compose your upset toddler.

Ignore It

The best way to make your toddler stop his tantrums is to simply not pay any attention. Once your toddler begins his meltdown, leave the room (but keep an eye on him to ensure he is safe) for awhile and let him cry out all his distress. There must be no eye contact and no words exchanged between the two of you. Having no audience to watch him throw a fit will make him stop crying immediately. He will soon realize that what he is doing is not working and most likely will not try to repeat his outbursts.

Keep Your Eyes Open

Tantrums usually take place when your toddler is feeling or wanting something. Understand why he is upset. Look for its core. Do his tantrums occur when he is hungry, tired, rushed or bored? Where does he usually throw a fit? Is it in the grocery store, playground or his day care center? Keep a small notebook handy to help you record his quick display of emotions. This will also help you recognize his pre-tantrum indications so you will know how to deal with it before your toddler blows up.

Keep Your Cool

Your toddler’s tantrums can get the best of you especially when it is done in public. Rather than losing your temper, just stay cool and keep your calm to lighten the situation. While it can be really embarrassing, just carry your toddler to a more private place, say for example in the bathroom or in your car to give him time to settle down.

Listen to Him

Your toddler not being able to completely express what he wants to say is already causing him too much frustration. Treat him like an adult and give him your full attention. Listen to what he wants to say. Reflect on it and talk to him about it letting him feel that you understand him. Use calming words and actions. Pat his back, whisper to his ear, hum his favorite song or wipe his tears.

Explain

Whenever your toddler wants something that is not possible, he gets mad and throws tantrums. Explain to him why you cannot grant his request. If he wants another robot and yet he already has 20 of it at home, explain to him why you will not buy him one this time. Tell him he has plenty of robots and some are still unused.

Give Him A Signal

Once your toddler is on the verge of throwing tantrums, give him a warning. Be firm about it and speak in an authoritative manner in telling him you are not happy with his behaviour. This signals your toddler that his behaviour is not proper and if he does not stop there will be consequences. You need to make him understand both of your limitations.

Divert His Attention

Distract and divert your toddler’s attention when he is having an outburst. Point out things you know your child likes. Give him his favorite teddy bear, look up to the sky so he can see the airplane or point out a little girl who is happily sitting in her chair. Distraction gives your toddler’s energy enough time to deflect allowing him to stop his crying quickly.

Your toddler’s tantrums does not make you a bad parent. It simply is a normal stage your child goes through during his development. Just listen to him. Stay calm and discipline him. Always make him feel you are always there for him.