Toddler Tantrums

Every so often, your child engages in one of the most dreaded of toddler behaviors: he throws a magnificent all-out tantrum. He’ll start kicking his little feet, crying big tears, and saying “I hate you.” No matter how many times you’ve seen him like this, such meltdowns can always make you cringe.

There are many factors that can bring about such behavior. Because he is still not an expert in communication, your toddler may not be able to tell you what it is that he wants exactly. For example, he may not like the cowboy pajamas that you made him wear. Or he may not be finished playing with his puzzle when you suddenly put it away.

At other times, your toddler may just simply be overwhelmed with the things around him. A trip to the toy store, for instance, might become confusing for him because of the many toys and gadgets that he wants to see and touch.

A toddler may also throw a tantrum when he gets frustrated over a task that he cannot accomplish (like building a truck from blocks) or over something that he is not allowed to do (like riding a two-wheel bicycle). He may also experience a meltdown when he is tired or hungry. Others simply get mad when they’re not showered with attention. After all, he’s supposed to be the center of the universe, so why is everybody looking at the cute newborn baby?

Knowing the possible causes of his meltdown may help you defuse a potentially draining experience for everybody in the family.

For starters, it pays to keep your toddler on a schedule. Any deviation from his familiar routine may overwhelm him. Keeping him on schedule also means following mealtimes, nap times, and bath times, so that your toddler is comfortable always. Give him ample time to transition from one task to the next. About 10 minutes before lunch, for example, tell him that he’s going to have to stop playing with his toys soon. This way, he knows exactly what’s going to happen and won’t be frustrated.

When he’s in the throes of a full-scale tantrum, there are several ways for you to respond. First of all, keep calm. There’s no use getting all frazzled.

Some moms talk to their toddlers in calm, soothing voices, acknowledging their frustration and trying to decipher what it is that their children want. Others attempt to distract their kids by offering them a snack or a toy.

Some tantrums are best ignored. If you start raising your voice on your toddler, he may just cry even louder. If you ignore him, he will eventually realize that crying and throwing a fit will not get him any attention.