Tantrums can be defined as emotional explosions that may be seen in your child especially in the toddler years. These emotions result from temper or anger, where the child kicks, stamps, hits and screams. In other cases, they may be related to distress where the child can sob, cry or throw themselves on the ground. No matter how good your child may be, meltdowns characterize your toddler’s life. You should be smarter in knowing that your child’s tantrum isn’t in any way a replication of your parenting skills, but is a sign that you have a frustrated child that you should give much attention to. Although the tantrums may fade away as the child grows, but here are a few tips on how to handle these 2-year-old tantrums well.
2-Year-Old Tantrums—Why?
A temper tantrum may be looked at as an emotional equivalent of a summer storm since it ends as sudden as it starts. You could be enjoying good time with your child and suddenly they start whining, whimpering and screaming to go home. These kinds of episodes are mostly observed in two-year-olds. At this age, the child begins to comprehend what they hear, yet they have a limited ability to articulate their needs or feelings. As a result of this, frustration may pump in since the child is not able to express what they feel. The temper tantrums only affect much of the children at this age. They will eventually end when the child attains around 3 years of age. Good parents should always try to cope up with their 2-year-old tantrums.
What to Do When 2-Year-Old Tantrums Occur
1. Do’s
- Do not lose your cool
When your child throws a tantrum such as kicking, screaming and even throwing stuff away, this may rage you. Some children will even go up to an extent of holding their breath until their eyes turn blue; this should not worry you much because the child eventually gasps for air. However, it is important to understand how to cope up with the condition rather than leaving your child on their own. The only way to bring your child back is by embracing and comforting them in this condition. This will calm them down.
- Remember you are the adult
You shouldn’t give in to perverse demands by your screaming child; this can be very tempting to some parents especially in public areas. As a parent, you should worry less since everybody who has been a parent understands this perfectly well. If your child’s tantrums escalate to a point where they start hitting people, it is important to carry them to a safer place and tell the child that you will be with them until they calm down.
- Talk it over subsequently
When your child calms down, you can talk about it by holding your child and asking them about what has just happened in a more polite language. This makes the child see your acknowledgement of their frustration. You can assist them in relaying their feelings through words by asking questions such as “You were angry because I didn’t give you the food you wanted.” If the child tries to talk it out, embrace them with a hug.
- Avoid situations triggering tantrums
Try as much as you can to prevent any situation that may trigger your child into a tantrum by simply reading your child’s behavior. In most cases, transitions may be the ultimate cause of tantrums, therefore come up with well transitional process that will make your child out of the risk. Create independence by letting them tell you what they want to do during a transition. You can as well alert them early if you are up to a transition. This makes them adjust slightly.
- Watch out for overstress signs
Daily tantrums may be normal part of the 2-year-olds; however, as parents, it is important to look out for major problems which could be developing. You should ask yourself questions such as how busy have you been lately? Is there any upheaval in your family? If tantrums get out of hand for your child, you can do them a favor by consulting the doctor.
2. Don’ts
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Don’ts |
Descriptions |
|---|---|
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Argue with the child |
When your child is on a tantrum, they are beyond reason, so trying to argue with them may not be of great help and may even escalate things. |
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Make the child feel rewarded |
On throwing a tantrum, let them not feel like they are getting a reward. In fact, if they throw a tantrum because you could not let them go to the garden then stick to that. |
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Scream back |
As a parent, try to be calm as much as you can, not join them. When you scream back, the outburst may just prolong since you will be fueling them to go even further, so it is better to keep calm. |
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Giving in to your child in public |
Most parents may dread tantrums in public places; however, you should ensure that your child does not sense your concern. Once the child realizes that their outbursts have an effect, they will surely pin you down with it. |
Want to know more about how to deal with 2-year-old tantrums? Check out the video below:
How Do I Prevent 2-Year-Old Tantrums?
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Methods |
Descriptions |
|---|---|
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Be consistent |
Come up with a daily routine with reasonable set limits such as setting bed time and nap time and let them follow strictly. |
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Plan ahead of time |
If you plan to go for shopping, you can pack a toy to keep your child occupied or even a snack in case they are hungry. |
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Encourage your child to be verbal |
Try to teach your child simple words and if they have not started speaking , you can teach them sign language for certain words such as “tired”, “more”. |
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Let your child be independent |
Let them make choices like what they want “would you like to eat bananas or oranges.” With this, they feel much appreciated |
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Praise your child’s good behavior |
You can embrace or even pamper your child with toys if they behave well. With this extra attention your baby feels comfortable. |
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Change your child’s focus with distraction |
If you sense a building up frustration, you can change their mind by distraction such as shifting to another region. |
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Avoid tantrum-triggering situations |
You can stay away from those eye catching goodies that will make your child want them and if they act up in a restaurant, you can spend very few hours with them there. |
When to See a Doctor
As your child develops and self-control comes in, tantrums also become minimal and disappear at about the age of 5. However, if your child tantrums escalate up to an older age, it’s good to look for professional help from a doctor who will analyze the psychological and physical issues contributing to the tantrums. You might be referred to a school program or mental health provider depending on the circumstances.
