Tantrums in Toddlers: How Should Parents Handle Tantrums in Toddlers?

Tantrums in toddlers are quite common, and they cause frustration for parents, especially when tantrums occur in public. In this article, I will share the facts about toddler temper tantrums and the way to deal with them based on my personal experience.

What is a Temper Tantrum, exactly?

Temper tantrums are intense outbursts of irritation and fury. Usually, temper tantrums are most common between the ages of 1 to 3 and they affect both boys and girls equally. Some kids have tantrums more often and others have them rarely. The most common causes of toddler tantrums are exhaustion, hunger, and discomfort. Moreover, it is also a common occurrence and part of their growth and development.

Is It Normal for Our Toddler to Have Temper Tantrums?

To put it in a word, Yes. Tantrums are completely normal in the lives of toddlers and are an important part of their growth and development. Generally, parents used to experience their children's tantrums during the second year of their lives-when their language skills began to develop. Because children are unable to express their needs and feelings, this unpleasant experience may result in tantrums. Tantrums tend to decrease as your child's language skills increase and he or she begins to speak more naturally.

You can also read: Toddler Eating Tantrums: What To Do If Your Child Throws A Food While Eating 

What Causes Tantrums in Toddlers?

When children reach a certain age, they require independence in areas such as dressing themselves, feeding themselves, preparing food or pouring milk, etc.., If they are stopped or controlled from doing such activities, they may be disappointed, frustrated or feel as if they do not have the freedom to do so. And tantrums are the result of this frustration.

A toddler may have a tantrum if he or she is:

   --> exhausted

   --> starving

   --> feeling of being avoided or ignored

   --> uncomfortable feeling

   --> when under stress

   --> experiencing strong emotions such as anxiety, fear, embarrassment, and rage

   --> when they can handle the situation

How Do You Deal With Your Toddler's Temper Tantrums?

Although there is no right approach to dealing with a toddler's temper tantrums, many parents used to yell and slap their children as soon as they threw a tantrum. Yelling and hitting are at the top of the "do not" list for dealing with temper tantrums, and, moreover, it does not work. Here are some tips to consider when dealing with your toddler's tantrums.

Parents, Keep your head calm and cool when responding to a tantrum. Do not complicate the situation or the problem by expressing your frustration. Tantrums in toddlers should be treated differently depending on the problem and the reason for the child's conduct.

1. Figure out what's causing the tantrum

Tantrums in toddlers can be caused by a variety of factors. The following are some of the reasons:

   --> they will be tired or hungry

   --> they will be frustrated for no reasons

   --> they will be jealous of another child

   --> they will seek the love, attention, and time of their parents

Note: If there were additional causes for your toddler's tantrum, then the solution is simple. Try to listen to your child's needs, understand how they feel, and respond accordingly.

2. Find a Way to Distraction

When your child begins to behave differently than usual, find a way to divert them. Just divert them by asking them to look somewhere (that is, point out a particular place to look like a window, TV, etc..,) Take them somewhere else, but do not give them any kind of reward, such as chocolates, etc.., because it encourages them to behave in the same manner to get their favorite items.

3. Ignore the Situation

Parents who lose their cool or shout back will not be able to solve their children's tantrums. Ignore the situation, change your look away from them (that is, look somewhere else), act like you are ignoring your children, and try to stay calm for a while.

4. Prepare your mind before you go shopping

Tantrums are more common when children are out shopping. This embarrassing situation makes it difficult to stay calm and cool. So, try to limit shopping visits as short as possible or involve your children in the shopping by talking to them about their needs, or allowing them to assist you in shopping.

5. Hold your child in your arms

Many parents believe that this method (trying to hold the child softly until the tantrum calms down or passes) is effective, although holding a struggling child is quite difficult. Actually, this method works wonderfully when your child is disturbed or upset rather than furious.

6. Do not change your mind

If you said "no" to your child-try to hold on to that mind. Do not change your mind for any cause. If you give them something to stop the tantrums, they may begin to believe that tantrums can bring them what they need. So, if you want to stop a toddler's tantrum, do not give in because it would not help you in the long term. Instead, ask them to stop or move away from their site for a short period of time.

7. Make them understand

Children have a habit of behaving badly when they need your attention. Make them understand that you just love them by praising their excellent behavior and giving them more hugs and kisses whenever they are not behaving badly.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Tantrums should decrease as your child's self-control improves. By the age of 3 or 4, children usually have fewer tantrums. Suppose your child is causing harm to themselves or others, holding their breath to the point of fainting during tantrums, or has worsened in tantrums after the age of 4-then it is recommended to discuss all your concerns with your pediatrician.

Final Thought

Remember that tantrums are not a cause for concern and that the majority of toddler tantrums go away on their own. As children get older, they learn to be more self-controllable, as well as to co-operate, communicate, and handle frustration. Once they learn self-control, language skills, and know the way to deal with frustration, there will be fewer tantrums and, of course, happier parents.