It’s no secret that toddlers can be a handful. From temper tantrums to stubbornness, parenting a toddler can be a difficult and challenging task. However, tantrums don’t have to be a dreaded part of parenting. In this article, we’ll explore how to manage tantrums in a positive and engaging way, so that you can help your toddler develop healthy emotional regulation skills. We’ll discuss practical tips and techniques for controlling tantrums, and how to use positive reinforcement to help your toddler learn the skills they need to manage their emotions. Read on to find out how to make tantrums a thing of the past!
Remain Calm & Composed
Remain Calm & Composed: Staying calm and composed during a tantrum is key. Taking deep breaths and counting to three can help you stay in control of your emotions and not add fuel to the fire.
Acknowledge Feelings
It is important to acknowledge your toddler’s feelings, no matter how overwhelming they may be. Validate that their emotions are real and important, by simply saying something like “I understand that you’re feeling very frustrated right now.”
Set Boundaries
Setting boundaries for your toddler can be a challenging, but important task. It is important to make sure that clear expectations are set for your child, so that they know what behaviors are acceptable and unacceptable. Make sure to provide consistent and firm guidelines so that your child knows what is expected of them.
Distract with Toys
Distracting with toys is a great way to help manage a toddler’s tantrum. It gives them something else to focus on and often helps them forget why they were upset. It also gives them something constructive to do while they calm down.
Provide Comfort & Reassurance
It is important to provide comfort and reassurance to your toddler when they are having a tantrum. Show them that you understand their feelings and are there to support them. Give them a hug and let them know that everything is going to be okay.
Offer Choices & Alternatives
Giving your toddler choices and alternatives helps them feel like they have some control over the situation. Offering two options that you are comfortable with can help reduce tantrums and empower your toddler to make decisions.
