Talking of raising toddlers… and toddler tantrums can’t be far behind! As a new mom, tantrums thrown by my normally well-behaved daughter could really throw me out of sorts. No reading up of books on raising kids prepared me for what was to come – how my angelic toddler can turn into a screaming monster for what appears to be no reason at all!
Handling tantrums is about understanding why they occur and how you can prevent them, to whatever extent. Minor tantrums are part and parcel of toddlers and over time I learnt to take them in my stride. Toddler tantrums due to tiredness or hunger are the more common ones. You can prevent them to a large extent by making changes to your lifestyle to ensure that there is time for afternoon naps and regular snacks. Building a routine into my little one’s life helped me cope for sure. It also ensured that there were regular meals and day time nap….which made for a happy child and a happier mom!
If your child is showing signs of major tantrums that have become a regular feature, try and find out if anything is bothering your toddler, be it moving house, a new baby on the way or your taking up a job. After all these changes overwhelm the little soul and he or she wouldn’t have a clue how to deal with it.
The first lesson I learnt while dealing with toddler tantrums is to keep my emotions under check. Over time and many a tantrum later, I learnt that screaming or remonstrating with the child is of little use. I realized that I need not give in to my child’s demands. All it called for was flexible approach to parenting style. You can do this without compromising on your values or ideas of disciplining.
- Be firm and do not give in to tantrum demands.
- Resist the urge to spank the child.
- Try and distract the child with something interesting.
- Talk to the child after he or she has calmed down.