Understanding the reasons for those tantrums will help you handle them better.
The toddler years often start with a bang, a thump and a resounding “No!” Parents with toddlers often have a hard time when it comes to getting their toddlers to do what they want.
It is like taking a roller-coaster ride. One moment you feel on top of the world when your toddler achieves what you have been teaching him. The next moment, you hit rock bottom, feeling helpless with a screaming toddler onn your hands.
Temper tantrums are so common that some experts believe they are part and parcel of normal development. These tantrums peak between 18 months (some as early as 15 months) and two-and-a-half years.
As the child is focusing on the development of self, he will use “me” or his own name. He wants to
be independent and do many things for himself. However, the toddler gets frustrated when he tries to do everything. As he works at being independent, he faces many obstacles that prevent him from achieving his goals. Around this time, too, his parents find the mselves repeatedly saying “No” to their active toddler.
To survive your toddler’s tantrums, you need to understand what causes his outbursts. It is normal for a two-year-old to have two or three tantrums a day, each lasting about five to 10 minutes. If your toddler’s tantrums last longer than that, or if his crying sounds distressing, you must investigate further.
At this young age, children are self-centred. They are unable to see things from another person’s perspective. Your toddler will not consider what you say or how you feel when you try to explain to him why he cannot have what he wants. He is more interested in the here and now – his own feelings and what he wants.
Once your toddler realises that his tantrums can get him what he wants, he will constantly use them to get his own way. Tantrums can be rather unnerving to busy parents who have little time to pay attention to the reason behind them.
Here are some time-tested strategies to cope with toddler tantrums:
Safety first, argue last
Control the situation and not the child. Since the toddler is tempted by potentially dangerous household objects, do not leave them around in full view and within easy access of the curious child.
Make a daily spot-check of your home for safety hazards. Sometimes things that were there before can end up in the hands of your toddler. Remove your child from potentially
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