How to Help Toddlers With Temper Tantrums

Parents, throughout history, have dealt with toddlers screaming, crying and falling to the floor. Dr. Michael Potegal of the University of Minnesota studies toddler tantrums as a window into deep human emotions. In an article that appeared on CNN, Potegal stated that for toddlers, throwing a tantrum is a normal response to the strong emotions of frustration or anger. Parents, on the other hand, just want the behavior to stop. While it may be normal, there are many things parents can do to help toddlers get past this stage.

Instructions

    • 1

      Create a consistent routine. Your toddler is just learning about the world and it can be a confusing place. A consistent schedule gives the toddler a framework to count on. This also encourages parents to plan tantrum-triggering events like trips to the store at times when the child is fed, well rested and comfortable.

    • 2

      Keep calm. When the child is out of control, your anger will only prolong and intensify the tantrum. An article on the KidsHealth website reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Shroff Pendley, co-director of behavioral health at Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, points out that children can easily sense anger and frustration from parents. Instead of feeding into the emotion, stand back, and take several deep breaths before dealing with the child.

    • 3

      Take the child to a safe, quiet place. At home it is wise to have a special place set aside for calming down. This can be an area that is near other people, but separate. The area should be free of anything that might hurt the child. If the child has a tantrum in public, consider taking the child to a quiet corner, bathroom or to your car.

    • 4

      Hold your ground. Don̵7;t give in to a child who is having a tantrum. This only reinforces bad behavior and will teach the child to misbehave to get his own way.

    • 5

      Wait it out. Potegal̵7;s research has shown that if parents don̵7;t respond to the behavior, most tantrums last between three and four minutes.

    • 6

      Get back to normal as quickly as possible. Don̵7;t offer comfort at the end of a tantrum. Like giving in to anger, cuddling the child after a tantrum can reinforce the behavior.

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