If you’re seriously concerned about your child’s behaviour, talk to your health visitor or GP. This way, they are able to get their feelings out, pull themselves together and regain self-control without getting involved in a battle (Pearson, 2013). If a toddler wants to get his anger out in a non-destructive way, it’s ok to let them get mad sometimes. Being tired and hungry are two of the biggest tantrum triggers (Pearson, 2013 KidsHealth, 2018). If they’re hungry, pack snacks for a long car journey. If they are tired, don’t take them on an epic supermarket shop. When your child wants something, don’t always say no. Offering choices over clothes or which fruit they eat will make them feel they have a say (KidsHealth, 2018). Whenever your child does something good, always reward them with praise and attention (KidsHealth, 2018). You could speak with them about how characters react and what they would do in certain situations. This gives you the opportunity to talk about and name emotions. You can do this by reading stories (Lonigro et al, 2013). (The Guardian, 2009 KidsHealth, 2018 Family lives, 2018) Some ways to prevent tantrums Help toddlers to understand their feelings. holding them firmly but gently and talking to them in a clear voice.finding something they can have, when you have said they can’t have something else (don’t give major explanations for why they can’t have the other thing, just move on).Handle tantrums based on your child’s needs Most people will know what you are going through anyway. Oh and forget worrying about what others think when you are in public places. If you get stressed, your child will also pick up on it so keep calm and in control and you’ll chill them out too. Remind yourself that this is normal and you’ll manage it, like millions of other parents have. It’s so easy (and understandable) to get angry yourself but the important thing is to stay calm and not get upset. In the same way, don’t bribe them with sweets or treats (NHS, 2016). If you say yes to end the tantrum, your toddler will think that’s the way to get what they want. Make yourself sound very surprised and interested to get to your child’s attention (NHS, 2016). Another way is to distract them by looking out of the window to see something they like, e.g. You could also change the environment by taking them inside or outside the room (KidsHealth, 2018). So offer them something else in place of what they can’t have or start a new activity by replacing the frustrating or forbidden one. Distracting themĬhildren have short attention spans. Trying to understand why they’re having a tantrumĪre they tired? Hungry? Jealous of another child that has your attention? If you understand where it’s coming from, it might be a bit easier to calm them down (NHS, 2016). So try to support them by trying the following. You might feel angry, embarrassed, discouraged and hopeless as your child screams in front of the broccoli at the supermarket (RC Psych, 2017).Īctually though, this is the time when your kids need you the most. In some cases, tantrums also involve kicking, hitting and the child holding their breath (KidsHealth, 2018).Īs every parent knows, the worst place for toddler tantrums is in public. When a child has a tantrum, they might start whining, crying, screaming and yelling. (RC Psych, 2017) Tips for handling a toddler tantrum (including in public places) Tantrums might also happen when a child is: If they are stopped or can’t do something, they might get upset because they’re frustrated that they don’t have the freedom (RC Psych, 2017). They’ll want to do things like dress themselves, feed themselves or pour their milk by themselves. When kids get a bit older, they’ll become more independent. Tantrums are also much less common once they reach four years old (NHS, 2016). When your little one starts to talk more, they’ll be less prone to tantrums (NHS, 2016). Some kids have tantrums super often and others rarely have them. They’re equally common in boys and girls. Tantrums usually start when children are around 18 months old and happen between the ages of one to three (NHS, 2016). Toddler tantrums and terrible twos: when do they start? Tantrums are extremely common and part and parcel of your child’s development. When it comes to tantrums, your child is definitely not the only one to ever have them. Think of tantrums as their way of telling you they’re upset and frustrated (KidsHealth, 2018).' 'Tantrums come from your child not getting what they want. They are common and a standard part of a child’s development. Tantrums are short periods of angry outbursts or unreasonable behaviour like crying, screaming or shouting (RC Psych, 2017).

Babe i know youre upset