Tantrums can be every parent’s nightmare. No matter how many children you’ve raised, whatever time of the day it is, tantrums can happen. Your child may scream, cry, hurt themselves or others, or even try to run away from you. How do you cope and stop a tantrum even before it starts to go out of hand? If you’re looking for ways to tame your child’s tantrums, then you’re in the right place, especially if you’re a first-time parent who has no idea what to do.
Know your kid’s tantrum triggers
Each child varies when it comes to tantrum triggers. Hunger, fatigue, a distracted parent, and over stimulation are just some of the common tantrum triggers. Knowing what usually triggers your child’s tantrums can help you fight them off even before they start. Take note that even the most behaved child can go on a full-blown tantrum as they still can’t express their feelings better. If you know that a certain activity or environment can cause tantrums, then you should avoid it to lessen the chances of your child throwing a fit.
Allow them to bring their favourite toy
Some kids get too attached to their toys that can help soothe them. So let them take a toy or two with them when you go out. Make sure that you choose age-appropriate toys as these will be beneficial for your kid. For instance, choose educational toys for one-year-olds. They will find these toys interesting enough.
Speak to them in a soft, calming voice
When someone shouts at you, you feel the need to shout at them back so that you can be heard. But this should not be the case for toddlers. Matching up their volume will not end in a resolution. Instead, speak in a soft, calming tone. Take them to an area where there are fewer people and distractions and wait for them to calm down. Praise them for a job well done, and they will remember the positive feeling.
Give them some space
One may think that you should not let a toddler go on a full-blown fit. But stopping them can actually elicit more negative behaviour. What you can do instead is to give them enough space so that they can vent out their frustrations in their own way. As long as they are not hurting themselves or others, just let them. They will need some time to pull themselves together. They will learn that they won’t get what they want simply by shouting and getting angry.
Allow them to have some control
Many kids would throw a fit after parents tell them to do something. Just because you’re the adult doesn’t mean that you should not give your child a bit of control over things that affect them. Instead of asking them to do something or asking them yes-no questions, give them minor choices. You will receive fewer nos for an answer.
These are some of the best ways you can start managing your child’s tantrums better. Knowing the things that trigger their tantrums will help you avoid these tantrums. Give them enough space and use only a soft, calming voice. Invest in toys that are appropriate for their age and give them a sense of control to make them feel better.