It never fails! Standing in the never ending line at the check-out, you notice that your 2-year-old is eyeing the endless choices of candy that have been strategically placed right at her level of sight. One look at her and you know she’s thinking there’s no way she’s leaving the store without that sweetly satisfying bar of chocolate goodness. You, however, know that there is no nutritional value in that wrapped junk food. With this potential battle of wills looming, you know what’s coming next: the toddler temper tantrum.
Temper tantrums are a small child’s way of dealing with emotions that she may not completely understand. Disappointment can be difficult even for adults, but can also be confusing for toddlers. To deal with the flurry of emotions that can complicate a toddler’s view of the world, she may act out by screaming, crying, and yelling. However, there are ways to lessen the severity of the attacks or even prevent them from happening.
Rest is Key
A tired toddler can be easily overstimulated by things going on around her. Adequate amounts of sleep will help her gain a bit of control over her environment. Tired children may have lower levels of tolerance and emotional instability, making even the easiest of tasks extremely difficult. Maintaining a well-rested lifestyle will go far in helping toddlers deal with the stresses of everyday life.
Establish Routines
Transitioning from one activity to another can potentially initiate a temper tantrum in even the most easy-going child. Combine this with a child that is tired, and the probability that a tantrum will erupt is multiplied. Routines allow children to prepare themselves for changes in activities by knowing what activities are next on their daily agenda. Providing gentle reminders a few minutes before an activity change takes place sets the tone for the transition and could ward off the kicking and screaming.
Offer Choices
Some children are prone to tantrums when they feel that they are not in control of their situation. Offering a couple of choices when persuading children to do certain tasks gives a child a sense of ownership and control. Even if the choices are fairly similar or end up leading the child to the same outcome, tantrums can be avoided by showing that options do exist.
Give in Once in a While
The big secret in parenting is that everyone gives in at some point. Every situation does not have to result in the parent winning a battle. There are some situations where allowing a child to have her own way will help to build character and creativity. Repeatedly having the upper hand as a parent doesn’t always result in a child that is compliant. Sometimes it’s best to realize that it just isn’t worth the hassle to fight through a temper tantrum; pick your battles.
Raising children is one of the most difficult jobs parents will face. Knowing that it’s ok to have a toddler throw a tantrum every once in a while can calm the anxiety that many parents feel about their children. Tantrums are a normal process of toddler growth and development, but working with your toddler and finding ways to lessen tantrums can make parenting a little easier during this stage of life.
References:
Kids Health: Temper Tantrums (Accessed January 18, 2012)
WebMD: Preventing Temper Tantrums (Accessed January 18, 2012)
Parents: Temper Tantrums (Accessed January 18, 2012)
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