Taming The Tantrum

We’ve all heard the phrase ‘the terrible twos’ and if you’re anything like me, you dreaded it! I’d heard so many nightmare stories of tantrums and meltdowns that no one seemed to know how to handle.

I’ve got to admit that throughout the toddler phase I did experience some of that, it was different for each and some children were way more challenging than others! 

I didn’t really experience the toddler tantrum until we had our fourth child. The others had their challenges, but in different ways. He was another level of iron will. It was a constant battle; mainly between me and him as I was the one at home with him most of the time but I’m happy to say that a few things helped us shape him into the lovely 11 year old he is today.

Here’s what worked:

1.. REMOVING HIM FROM THE SITUATION.

If there were other people present or if I was in a public place I took him away and removed him from the surroundings. If at home I would pick him up and sit down with him. They may keep kicking off in the moment but it shows that you mean business.

2. LETTING HIM KNOW IT WASN’T ACCEPTABLE TO DO THAT.

Even at such a young age toddlers completely understand. If they understand “ice cream” then they understand “No, we don’t behave like that”. Repeat the same phrase every time you encounter the behaviour and they will very quickly understand.

3. FINDING A CONSEQUENCE THAT WORKS FOR THE CHILD.

This can be hard at 2 but as they move towards being a 3 year old you can definitely follow through with this, Not allowing a favourite tv program or taking a toy away for half an hour. They will soon associate that with the unacceptable behaviour.

4. REFUSE TO GIVE IN.

Jackson had such a strong will, I was so tired and I really, really wanted to give in. And sometimes I did!! But I paid for it later. Once I stood in a shopping centre with him fir 30 minutes until he agreed to behave...that was tough! But it paid off. You must be consistent.

5. CELEBRATE THE WINS.

Praise and reward the lovely behaviour. Often the strong willed children are the most loving, so take those moments and build on them. Rewarding using sticker charts sometimes works. We’ve done this lots of times! Find what works for your child and reward them in that way. Again, reward consistently and make sure you follow through with the reward or they’ll get disheartened.

So there’s just a few things that may help.

Don’t forget - you’re not alone and everyone has challenges with their toddlers - you’re just training them and you’re doing better than you think!


Louise x

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