Mood swings, tantrum displays, constant arguments, kicking and screaming are just some of the most common toddler tantrums. This display of emotion is practically normal especially during the early stages of a little one’s development. But, it is also important to minimize outrage as early as possible. To help you effectively deal with them, you must first determine what triggers these emotions.
Coping with toddler tantrums is one of the most challenging tasks of parenting. The key to eliminating some of them is to understand your child. From there, you may be able to recognize its causes and come up with techniques to help your toddler control himself.
Toddler Tantrums – Cause and Prevention
1.) Boredom
Cause: Boredom is one of the most basic causes of toddler meltdowns. Once he gets bored, he becomes gloomy and a gloomy child makes an unhappy family. This tantrum can be due to doing or getting too much of something. A certain activity (e.g. reading, writing, watching TV, etc.) that is done repeatedly can lose its charm making your toddler restless.
Solution: At his tender age, your little one thrives on physical and intellectual activities. Anything that keeps him busy and active will make him happy. The secret to combating boredom is to have variation with his day to day activities. If he likes reading books, give him the task of creating his own stories. When playing games, allot him 30 minutes of playing online games and another 30 minutes to play outdoors. Mentally stimulating activities satisfy him since he gets to learn different things every hour of the day.
If what he craves is a change of scenery, go out. Do grocery shopping together. Visit the park, zoo or malls. Watch a movie together. At home, assign him simple household chores like helping you cook dinner, putting dirty clothes inside the hamper and so on. His short attention span will be well compensated once he juggles various tasks.
2.) Frustration
Cause: Remember the feeling of being incapable to express your needs and wants? It’s a very frustrating feeling isn’t it? Your toddler is still too young to process emotions on his own. Hence, once he does not relay something correctly or you cannot understand what he is trying to tell you, he gets disappointed. Or, it may be because he wants to exert his freedom yet you are controlling him.
Solution: Careful observation is the answer to this toddler tantrum. You need to take a closer look at your little one’s actions, words, body and facial expressions. While it can be irritating on your part, you need to stay calm and be patient. Speak in a clear, firm and slow manner. Use soothing words to cool him down. Let your toddler sit in your lap. Have eye contact and then ask him what is bothering him. Once he sees you unruffled with his outrage, he can properly process the message he wants to deliver.
3.) Hunger or Fatigue
Cause: It is normal to get a little grumpy when one is hungry or tired. However, it can trigger other tantrum problems. Children are prone to this. Too much physical play or being overly stimulated can make your toddler agitated.
Solution: To prevent these outbursts, be aware of your toddler’s eating and sleeping time. Never go out with your toddler especially when a meal or nap are due. Instead, leave him at home. After a rigorous hour of playing, let your little one rest and prepare him healthy meals that can rejuvenate his lost energy.
4.) Wants Attention
Cause: Toddlers always like to be in everybody’s center of attention, and once they feel the slightest sign of neglect, they instantly throw tantrums to catch your interest.
Solution: The best way to prevent this is to shower your toddler your undivided attention at appropriate times. He wants security and affirmation. Even with a busy schedule, reserve several hours for bonding time. Together, you can play with his toys, read him books, cuddle or simply talk to him. Once he is secured of your love, he no longer feels threatened. Also, never give in to his tantrums. By ignoring it, he will soon realize he won’t get anything from it.
5.) Unable to Get Things He Wants
Cause: You and your toddler are in the toy store. He spots a robot and asks you to buy it. You decline him since he has plenty of robots at home. What do you get? A major breakdown.
Solution: While spoiling your toddler is a big no-no, take some time to consider his pleas. If you think his request is unreasonable, then be consistent with your decision. By being firm and not giving in to his outcries helps you discipline your toddler. By doing so, he learns how to respect your decision and understand that he cannot have his way all the time.
