Avoiding Toddler Tantrums
The terrible twos… Even the most
dignified parent has been left red-faced and wanting to be
swallowed into the ground
while their toddler is having a public meltdown.
Here are a few easy ideas for avoiding toddler tantrums:
Don’t Let Them Get Over Tired – Don’t
let your toddler become too tired. Set a regular nap routine
and
try to stick to it, and make sure he goes to bed at a reasonable
time and gets enough sleep during the night. Tiredness is often
the first reason for a tantrum.
Keep
Sugar Levels Stable - Don’t let your toddler’s
blood sugar levels dip too low. This will make him irritable
and tired, the tantrum will soon follow. Make sure he has plenty
of small nutritious snacks throughout the day to provide him
with a steady source of energy to avoid blood sugar dips.
Give
Them Time - Allow enough time for activities like getting
dressed, brushing their hair and getting in and out of the car.
Your toddler will want to do a lot of these things on his own
and rushing him is a sure way to start a tantrum. Give him a
little extra time and let him try to be independent by allowing
him to do certain things for himself.
Put
it Away – Is there a certain item that always
causes your toddler to have a tantrum? A food that’s
only for after dinner or an item he shouldn’t have.
Then put it where he can’t see it. Out of sight, out
of mind, is a great way of avoiding tantrums.
Ignore
It – This is easier said than done and of course it depends
where your child is having his tantrum. If you’re in
the middle of the supermarket you can’t just walk away
or ignore your child especially if they’re grabbing or
breaking things. In this instance it may be best to gently
pick up your child and take him outside or to an area away
from people and noise. Give him a few minutes to calm down
and a big hug.
If
your child is having a tantrum in a safe place like at home,
then it’s best to walk away until he calms down. Make
sure he can’t hurt himself or anything or anyone else
and just walk away. Once he’s finished give him a hug
and talk about what he’s feeling.
Give
Him a Hug – Many times your child just needs to be held
and needs you to help him control his emotions. If he’s
in the middle of a tantrum try gently hugging him and just
hold him. A lot of the times this will completely diffuse the
tantrum. Be sensitive to his reactions and if you see your
hug is only making him more upset then give him a little space
instead or try a different approach.