How to Handle a Toddler's Temper Tantrums
When you have a toddler, a visit from your little one's friend may go awry when the children refuse to share their toys. Your toddler may resort to kicking, crying, screaming or holding his breath during tense situations like these. While temper tantrums can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, they are also very common during the toddler years. Young children often resort to temper tantrums because they cannot yet verbalize their feelings. Understanding what triggers tantrums can help you prevent or defuse these outbursts in the future.
Instructions
Figure out what may be triggering the temper tantrum. If your child is tired or hungry, meeting those needs as quickly as possible can defuse the outburst. If a coveted but forbidden object is contributing to the outburst, removing your child from the situation can also defuse the tantrum. Give yourself the opportunity to calm down before handling the tantrum. Yelling at, punishing or bribing your child should be avoided, according to the AAP. If your toddler is engaging in dangerous behavior, like hitting or kicking, it is ideal to firmly say, "No hitting." Offer a distraction for a child having a tantrum. Changing locations or giving your child an object she is allowed to have may be all that is necessary to defuse the situation. Avoid toys or tasks that are too complicated for your toddler to handle. Frustration can fuel temper tantrums. Offering an age-appropriate toy in place of another may be helpful if your child is having a temper tantrum. Consider ignoring the tantrum. If your toddler sees that his attempt to get attention is unsuccessful, he may quickly tire out. If the tantrum occurs in a public place, you can continue "ignoring" the behavior after taking your child someplace private to cool down. Don't ignore the tantrum if your little one is engaging in dangerous behavior, though, like kicking or hitting you.
