OK let’s be real, we have all witnessed a child have a temper tantrum. Whether it was first hand as a parent or educator or in the grocery store on aisle 6. I’m sure we can all agree that there is nothing worse than seeing a child have a temper tantrum. From the loud screeching to the limp spine, the furrowed brows and oh those powerful kicks.
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It’s exhausting to watch and I’m sure its exhausting to them as well. But it’s totally common for young children. Today, I’m going to share with you my tips on tackling toddler temper tantrums.
The Basics
First of all, I think it is important to let you know that tantrums are normal. Yes, I said it, normal. If your child hasn’t had a tantrum yet, just you wait. But seriously, kudos to you for reading this before the tantrum. Many of us seasoned toddler tantrum tamers wish we knew these tips beforehand. If you’ve already experienced a tantrum, then today you are going to leave this post with new tips to try out during the next one.
So, put on your super parent pants and let’s get to it.
Meet them with compassion
There’s like a split-second right before the tantrum starts where we as parents are like “darn it, it’s about it happen. There is no coming back from this.” In that moment, take a deep breath and get down to your child’s level. When I say get down to their level I mean physically kneel down, I don’t mean join them by throwing a tantrum yourself. Even though sometimes we feel like it.
Once you’re on their level, meet them with compassion. If they feel angry, frustrated or sad acknowledge that and let them know that it is okay to feel that way.
Sometimes during those tantrums, our children want nothing to do with us, absolutely nothing. This leads me to the next tip.
Let them be
Simply put, leave them alone. Now this doesn’t mean walk away from them or leave to go to another room etc. Just give them some space, let them have their tantrum. Don’t be so quick to get it to end.
Just make sure you are still able to see them, and they are able to see you. The most important part of this tip is to make sure they are in a safe environment so they won’t hurt themselves.
Talk afterward
After the tantrum is over and they sit or stand back up, talk to them. Discuss what made them angry or frustrated and how they can express themselves differently the next time.
Learning how to talk about what is bothering them takes time. So parents, be consistent and be patient.
With your new-found knowledge, you can approach tantrums with grace. If you want more personalized tips on tackling your toddlers’ tantrum you should be here.
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