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Child and toddler tantrums when to worry!
Temper tantrums may feel overwhelming or make you feel like you’re not doing a good job as a parent but they are a normal part of your child’s development. Unfortunately, at this stage, your child is unable to fully communicate all their needs and this is how they tell you something is wrong or that they need something. Dealing with temper tantrums can have a physical and emotional toll on most parents especially if you do not know how to deal with them.
My almost-two-year-old little one has temper tantrums often it seems but they are generally not severe and she is usually easy to soothe. You may know how it is, she will scream, cry, thrash, roll on the floor, throw things, and stomp during a tantrum. The worst tantrums are when we are in the store and she does not want to leave or she wants something from the store. Here are 6 techniques that have helped me prevent and manage tantrums. We will also discuss when you should worry about a child or toddler tantrum.
Why Do Children Have Temper Tantrums?
Tantrums are often frequent between the ages of two and three. This is especially true around two where your child is learning and developing their mental capacity but still unable to properly articulate or understand what they want. They can have tantrums due to frustration, wanting to get your attention, if they are tired or hungry and if they do not want to do something.
Ways to Reduce and Manage Temper Tantrums.
1. Distractions: This is my tried and true technique. Often times distractions work to stop a meltdown from happening. Toddlers have such limited attention spans that if they are distracted with something else they often forget what they were upset about a second ago. I often distract my daughter with other objects, toys, food, songs, and dancing.
2. Keep off-limit objects out of sight: One of the main reasons why my daughter gets upset is when she can’t have something or if I have to take something away because she is not supposed to be playing with it. To avoid temper tantrums, keep objects that you don’t want your child to have out of sight.
3. Avoid situations that will create the tantrum: I know when my daughter is hungry or tired almost anything will trigger a long drawn out temper tantrum. Therefore, I make sure that at the first signs of these my husband or I will intervene. We try to avoid her going too long without her naps or sleep by coordinating things around her nap time.
4. Stay calm: when you raise your voice it can do the opposite of stopping the temper tantrum. Often times raising your voice only upsets your child more and they can even worsen their behaviour.
5. Ignore them: Depending on why your child is upset you may have to ignore their behaviour. If they are safe and all needs met but they just want attention then ignore them and they’ll eventually stop.
Child and Toddler tantrums when to worry?
Child and toddler tantrums when to worry! As mentioned, it is normal for kids especially around the age of 2 to have temper tantrums. As they get older the frequency should decrease. There are some situations where you might want to seek professional help.
- If your child shows aggression towards a caregiver or tries to destroy things during their temper tantrum
- If your child is trying to injure themselves. i.e. hitting their head on the wall.
- Frequent and prolonged tantrums. If your child is having a tantrum all the time and they are difficult to console or soothe and they are lasting longer.
- You as a parent or caregiver find yourself losing your cool, yelling, screaming or acting out violently. You should speak to a professional about coping.
I hope you enjoyed the post. Until next time,
Sincerely Jackline
What are some of your tips for when kids throw tantrums?
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