Dealing With A Tantrum Effectively
Have you ever been to a friend's house only to find their toddler running frantically around their dining room set in a mad tantrum? If so, you also probably though to yourself that never in a million years would your own child do that. Well, think again. Tantrums are an ordinary part of growing.
Tantrums are a release of a toddler's frustrations of a stressful, or buildup of stressful, situations. Stressful in a toddler's case can be: not getting the snack when they want it, or a broken toy or more attention given to a brother or sister by the main caretaker. Tantrums shouldn't be taken personally, because they are usually an expression of frustration. The next time your toddler pulls the king quilt from your bed in a rage, try to put his/her actions in perspective.
It is a normal part of the growing process for a toddler to encounter challenges. These challenges may come in the shape of puzzles and games. In order to prevent too much frustration over a game be around in order to facilitate the game in case of a standstill. For instance, if your toddler is putting together a puzzle and simply gets stuck, hint at the piece needed. This can prevent any excess frustration and help your child feel a sense of accomplishment.
Prevent marathons circling round dining room sets by your toddler when throwing a tantrum by learning what actually triggers these fetes. Notice when he/she is most likely to throw one. Is it when they are tired? Is it when you are in the kitchen preoccupied, or when you are out on a long shopping trip? Notice a trend, if there is one.
Figuring out what triggers tantrums can help you learn how to prevent them. For instance, if you notice that long shopping trips wear your child out, prepare shorter trips. Keep healthy snacks and water on hand. This can help sooth a child, but avoid giving snacks as a reward for bad behavior. Give a snack before your toddler is overwhelmed and about to throw a tantrum as a preventative measure.
Speaking of snacks, make sure to keep track of what you are feeding your child. Snacks that are high in sugar, caffeine or preservatives can agitate your child. This can lead to mood swings, and of course, tantrums.
Make sure to give your toddler enough time to listen to what they have to say. If you listen to what your child has to say you are validating their emotions. Feeling ignored will only exasperate the problem. Put yourself in their tiny shoes. If you were trying to say something that was important to you and no one was listening, you would probably feel frustrated as well.
