How Do You Manage Toddler Temper Tantrums?

It is not easy to control a toddler’s temper tantrums. Calming toddlers is also challenging. What makes babies angry? The reason why toddlers get angry is that they lack the communication skills to express themselves in words. So, they get angry to vent their feelings. These conditions also show when the baby is tired and hungry. Furthermore, toddlers also become angry at stopping an activity that they find highly stimulating. 

Temper tantrums are a normal part of childhood. Hence, parents need to understand that. Now let’s see how parents can manage toddler temper tantrums. 

What are toddler temper tantrums?

Toddler temper tantrums are sudden, unplanned, outbursts of anger and frustration that are common in young toddlers. This situation can be seen in toddlers between 1 and 3 years old. It includes a variety of behaviors such as crying, screaming, stomping feet, hitting, kicking, throwing objects, holding their breath, falling to the floor, etc. 

What causes toddler temper tantrums?

Due to some reasons, toddlers show temper tantrums. These reasons are,

1. Frustration – Many toddlers become frustrated or angry because of their lack of ability to verbalize or act on their own.
2. Hunger and fatigue – Hunger and overexertion make many toddlers more likely to have tantrums. Likewise, hunger and fatigue reduce a toddler’s endurance. 
3. Overstimulation – Too much noise, activity, or change can overwhelm a toddler and lead to a meltdown. 
4. Desire for independence – As toddlers crave more independence they quickly become upset and angry when they can’t do something.
5. Attention-seeking – Some toddlers tantrums to get attention. 
6. Unmet needs – Toddlers throw tantrums as a way of expressing their displeasure when they don’t get what they want.

How to handle the temper tantrums of a toddler?

The handling of toddler temper tantrums is not easy. However, you should handle it. Here we provide some methods to overcome the toddler’s tantrums. You can follow them. They are, 

• Stay calm

You should be very calm when your toddler is in meltdown. Toddlers will get even angrier if you show frustration. So, don’t yell or punish them when they are angry. As a parent, you should focus on calming your baby’s anxiety or anger. Parents should be patient during their toddler’s tantrums. Do not try to teach toddlers in the meantime. Wait until your child is fully calm down. Once they have calmed down, talk about their feelings. Talking to them calmly will help them calm down. Then, you can encourage communication. It allows toddlers to build a healthy relationship with their feelings

• Redirect attention

The best thing you can do to calm your babies down is to change the things that make your toddlers angry and frustrated. When they get angry, they can get a new toy or engage in another activity to calm them down. Then they forget what caused the tantrums. Toddlers will act out because they have too much pent-up energy. In this case, it is best to redirect that energy into a positive outlet. Here, you can take them out and play a game that gets them moving.

• Handle aggressive habit

When your child is having a tantrum, it is important to immediately stop any behavior such as throwing things, biting, or kicking. It is important to calm the baby so that they do not harm themselves or anyone around them. You should not give things to your toddler to control their anger. Doing so will only reinforce negative behaviors. However, if your toddler continues to exhibit violent behaviors that are too much to avoid, refer him to a psychiatrist.

• Set boundaries, then remain consistent

When your toddler has a tantrum, give them options for what to do next time. You can also teach them that certain behaviors are inappropriate. For this, by creating rules that the whole family follows, the boundaries can be set without leaving the toddler alone. As they grow, new rules can be set based on their behavior and abilities. 

• Show the behavior you need toddlers to learn

Always set a positive example for the toddler. Let them see your expression and feelings. For example, when you feel angry, don’t express it by shouting and being violent. Then, your toddler will learn that anger is not the same as violence. 

What’s more?

Parents can try to identify what triggers their toddler’s tantrums. Common triggers include tiredness, hunger, frustration, or overstimulation. Hence, you always try to control your baby’s anger based on their needs. For example, keep snacks on hand, get them plenty of sleep, and provide a structured daily routine. Besides, be consistent in your response to toddler’s tantrums. It will help your baby to understand what to expect and learn appropriate behaviors.

As well as you can also distract your child with a toy, or game or change the environment to control the tantrums. Besides, you can give your toddler a sense of control by providing choices that reduce frustration. A time-out can be an effective way to let older toddlers calm down. Also, you should confirm to explain why they are having time out and keep it brief. 

When your toddlers handle situations well, praise and reward your toddlers. Positive reinforcements can encourage more of the desired behaviors. Likewise, as a parent, you can help your child to understand and express their emotions. You can use simple language to describe the feelings and encourage them to use words instead of actions. Besides, you should confirm the safety of the toddler when they get angry. Also, you should ignore minor tantrums. It is the best way to sometimes control anger. This teaches your toddler that anger is not an effective way to get attention. 

Conclusion 

Tantrums are a normal part of toddler development. They are a way toddlers express their feelings and communicate when they lack language skills. Controlling toddler temper tantrums is tough. However, parents should know how to avoid tantrums. Here, we have provided more information about the toddler’s temper tantrums. Carefully read it. However, if your child is showing some serious tantrums, immediately visit a doctor to get treatment.