The Best Way to Deal With Temper Tantrums

Temper tantrums can range from whining, crying, screaming, kicking to hitting, even holding their breath till they turn blue, all kids are different and some will have more than others and will vary in degree. Tantrums are equally common among boys and girls. Toddlers throw temper tantrums as a way of expressing their anger and frustrations. Frustration is a natural part of their life. They start learning how things work and start acquiring language, as the language skills begin to improve, temper tantrums tend to decrease.

Get your step by step lessons for how to deal with temper tantrums here.

Understanding where a toddler is coming from is the first step in how to deal with temper tantrums. At this age toddlers are beginning to test their limits and see how far you will let them go before you stop them. When they can't go all the way this leads to frustration and then the temper tantrum.

Some causes for temper tantrums are:
anger
frustration
not getting his or her own way
lack of independence
attention seeking
tired
hungry
bored

Find out how to use words to prevent temper tantrums.

Great tips to deal with temper tantrums are:

1. Praise toddler for good behavior. When your toddler is playing nicely with their sister, praise them by saying "Good job sharing with your sister." Try to give lots of love when toddler is behaving. To a child this young, negative attention can be better than none.

2. Set a good example for toddler.

3. If toddler is having a tantrum cause they should not or can not have something, redirect or distract their attention to something they can have or do.

4. Another great way to deal with temper tantrums is to use age appropriate activities.

5. Offer limited choices. Toddlers are beginning to want some independence. Usually more than they know how to handle. For instance, in the morning when getting dressed, ask your toddler "Do you want to wear the red or blue shirt?" "Would you like some orange juice or apple juice?" Just keep it simple.

6. Set up a routine and stick to it. Feed your child meals and snacks at the same time daily. Also lay your toddler down for a nap at the same time everyday.

7. Toddler-proof the house. Put things your toddler can't have out of sight, out of sight, out of mind.

8. Make sure your toddler is well rested and fed. If toddler is tired or hungry don't try to squeeze in one more errand. This will increase the chance of a tantrum in public.

9. Another way to deal with temper tantrums is to choose your battles. Decide if what your toddler wants is worth the fight, think about what she wants, is it an outrageous request? But if you decide that they should not do or have something, stick to it. Don't give in to any temper tantrums, especially when it comes to safety issues, never give in.

Get your toddler to go along with your requests more often without a fight.

Sometimes a tantrum is unavoidable. When you deal with temper tantrums always keep calm don't complicate the situation by getting frustrated. Your child relies on you to be an example. Hitting and spanking your child only sends the message that physical punishment is ok.

CLICK HERE to find out how to get your toddler to do what you want without losing your cool.

When you deal with temper tantrums put yourself in your toddlers shoes and try to understand what is going on and handle each situation accordingly. For example when a tantrum happens because your toddler was refused something. Make sure your toddler is in a safe place and can't hurt herself or someone else, and ignore her. If she is not in a safe place take her to one, example her playpen, and allow them to calm down. Always remain within sight, leaving your toddler alone during this time can cause her to feel abandoned on top of her emotions going wild. Once she has calmed down, praise her for gaining control, but don't give her what she wanted. After tantrums toddlers tend to feel very vulnerable and now is a great time for a hug and reassurance that you love her.

Be patient and consistent with your little toddler and it will get easier to deal with temper tantrums