This article is brought to you by ParentSavvy, a local child health and parenting resource full of advice, tips, tools and expert answers to your questions.
Terrible Toddlerhood: How Can a Parent Cope?
We’ve all been there – in the grocery store, at an attraction, or even at home. Toddlers throw tantrums. It is part of growing up. “As motor skills evolve, toddlers begin exploring the world, learning they can have significant effects on objects and other people,” explains ParentSavvy.com expert Dr. Greg Severson, pediatrician with Methodist Physicians Clinic.
We asked the ParentSavvy.com experts how to make trips with toddlers more tantrum-proof:
Start with your plan:
Handling the toddler tantrum starts with planning. Many outbursts can be prevented if you:
1. Respect naptime
A tired toddler is less able to control his frustration. Schedule trips when your child is rested.
2. Have snacks
A hungry toddler is also less likely to be calm. Have snacks on hand for trips – or when a trip takes longer than expected.
3. Bring comfort items
Does your toddler have a favorite blanket or toy he uses for comfort? Having it on hand when the toddler starts to get frustrated can help him calm down on his own.
Be prepared:
Toddlers will have frustrating days. This little person does not have the vocabulary, patience or attention span of an older child. When the inevitable tantrum happens:
1. Make it safe
Get him to a safe place where he cannot be injured. Physical reactions are common with a child who has a limited vocabulary.
2. More Attention = More Tantrum
Ignore the behavior. Let the toddler work through the anger on his own. If a toddler is given attention, the tantrum may be prolonged.
3. Don’t let embarrassment guide your actions
Most adults have experienced tantrums before. Tantrums are a result of the age, frustration and lack of vocabulary of a toddler – not your parenting ability. Don’t let the judgment of bystanders guide how you react. You can try humor with other adults: “Aren’t the twos terrible?”
4. Redirect the attention of a young child.
Toddlers’ attention can be redirected – ending the tantrum. Try saying, “Did you see the pet, person, toy, etc.?”
5. Calmly offer help
Once the tantrum is finished and the child is sniffling or tearful, give her your attention: “I don’t like it when you hit your head, that makes me sad. I don’t want you to hurt yourself. Let’s talk about what is going on. Are you hungry for a snack? Do you need your blanket?”
“By addressing the toddler’s needs calmly, the parent gives the message that the toddler can address her own needs calmly and tantrums won’t necessarily get her what she wants”, explains Dr. Elizabeth Walenz, ParentSavvy.com expert and pediatrician with Methodist Physicians Clinic.
6. Be consistent
Consistent reactions from you are key. Over time the toddlers will choose behavior that will result in an enjoyable response from you.
Toddlers don’t come with instruction manuals
Parents have questions – whether this is your first – or tenth child. Read the hundreds of questions already asked and answered by the more than 60 local community experts – or ask one of your own at ParentSavvy.com/Ask.
Disclosure: Many thanks to ParentSavvy for sponsoring this post, and sharing helpful parenting tips to Omaha families. They also are partnering with Fontenelle Forest for Hands-On-Habitat, a Free program for preschool age children and their parents, and with Omaha Storm Chasers to bring you 50% off your Lil Chasers Membership when you subscribe to their newsletter.
