How To Deal With Toddler Temper Tantrums

It's one of the few things your child can do that will make your cringe. A high-pitched, eardrum shattering, teeth grinding scream that goes on and on and on. Sometimes to the accompaniment of heels beating on the floor, or fists on the wall. You may have to duck as the toys start flying, because your toddler is having a temper tantrum.

The reasons for having temper tantrums, are relatively simple. Remember, at the age of 1-3, when most children will throw tantrums, their world is fairly straightforward, as is their way of ordering it, and putting things in their place.

Children have tantrums because they are tired, frustrated, seeking attention, or possibly because they are coming down with something, or they are trying to gain control over their daily activities.

Naturally, a parent can't always be available when their toddler wants to be picked up, played with, or part of what you are doing. And for the very young, explanations that "Mommy is busy", just aren't going to be enough. What you can do though, is offer them an alternative, such as "Mommy is busy right now, would you like to draw some pictures for a while?"

It also helps if you learn to avoid fatigue tantrums, by recognizing the signs of a tired child. If you are unable to get them to a nap or a quiet time where they may fall asleep, give them a special toy or game that you keep for occasions when a distraction can come in handy. Chances are, they will fall asleep while looking at it.

The toddler stage is one where children begin to acquire a sense of "self", and that they are individuals separate from their mother and father. But they still have limited ways of expressing their need to be in control of "me", so they demand, or nag. When denied whatever it is they seek, their frustration can lead to a tantrum that is either rooted in the inability to get their meaning across, or because they see no reason they shouldn't get what they demand. One way of encouraging good behavior as your child's independence asserts itself, is to involve them in decision making, or independent tasks, like making their bed. Offer them simple choices, such as an apple or an orange, and let them learn that they have the "power" to decide some things. At the same time, you must be firm and consistent about behavior that is not acceptable, such as demanding and throwing tantrums.

When your child throws a tantrum, the best course may be to ignore it, but not to leave the child alone. In their very simple way of thinking, that can be interpreted as abandonment. If the tantrum involves behavior that is harmful, or extremely disruptive (such as in a grocery store), your best course is to take them to a quiet place for a time-out, or to hold them firmly until they have calmed down.

Sometimes the tantrum can be caused by multiple issues of being tired, and the tower of blocks falling over, then Mommy refusing to help build it again. That can lead to a more intense exhibition of temper. The key to successfully managing toddler tantrums, is not to lose your own temper in the process. Remain cool and calm. If you can't, put the child in their time out spot and move out of reach, until the worst of the storm has passed.

Visit http://www.MalcolmsWeb.com and sign up for free weekly tips that will take the mystery and fear out of parenting your precious little one.

In The News:


Calling All Babies and Toddlers: It's Time to Savor the Flavors of ...
Market Wire (press release) - 11 hours ago
... pomme bébé's summer menu creates yet another opportunity for busy families to build strong minds and bodies with 100% organic baby and toddler meals. ...

Your Toddler Might Need a Cholesterol Test
U.S. News & World Report, DC - Jul 7, 2008
In the past, docs worried that babies wouldn't get enough fat, which is critical for brain development, if they didn't drink whole milk. ...

The Positive Power of "No"
KREN CW 27 TV, NV - Jul 7, 2008
As babies, children raised in a supportive home are the center of the universe. Everything is done for them. In their toddler years, children begin to ...

The Dominion Post

Giving babies space to grow
The Dominion Post, New Zealand - 22 hours ago
Instead, a toddler who is very sure of his newly-learnt walk, greets us with a gummy smile and leads the way to a room with half a dozen mums and babies, ...

Every child needs drowning prevention skills
Bradenton Herald,  United States - 22 hours ago
Two small children - an 11-month-old and a toddler - drowned in swimming pools June 30 and July 1 in Manatee County. The 11th-month-old fell in a pool on ...

Welcome to Nashville, Sunday Rose!
My Tennessean.com, TN - 8 hours ago
“Also, the best trick out there that worked wonders with my daughter and all my friends babies is a Fisher Price Infant Toddler Rocker… ...

Easier (press release)

Kinderhotels offer a special menu for little ones
Easier (press release), UK - 13 hours ago
With a Kinderhotel, travelling with children needn’t be a nightmare, because most baby and toddler equipment is provided free of charge. ...

Signs show that babies can be taught simple hand gestures
St. Louis Post-Dispatch,  United States - Jul 7, 2008
Studies of children who were taught sign language during infancy or toddler years seem to support the Webster family's experience. ...

Marlborough Express

Babes on a mission to break feedathon record
Marlborough Express, New Zealand - 22 hours ago
These women and their children are from Babes in Arms (Babies And Breastfeeding Education and Support) and they are on a mission. They want to multiply the ...

ABC News

Babies in 'Baby Borrowers' may suffer from separation
Indianapolis Star, United States - Jul 3, 2008
The program purports to teach teens how to be parents by having them take care of a baby or toddler for three days. Unfortunately, the program misses the ...
Psychiatrists Accuse Ben Silverman of Stealing Babies New York Magazine
all 14 news articles
babies toddler - Google News

Fun & Unique Baby Shower Favors

A baby shower is often the highlight of an expectant... Read More

Every Baby Shower Needs Great Baby Shower Games!

Games for a baby shower help the baby shower hostess... Read More

Perfect Baby Shower Idea List for Necessity Type Baby Gifts

Perfect Baby shower idea lists for necessity type baby gifts.... Read More

Baby Girl Clip Art

The online baby girl clip art images help you to... Read More

Educational Toys That Stimulate Chidrens Mind

When children start to walk more steadily, run, push, pull,... Read More

The Character Traits of the Typical Libran Baby

Your Libra Baby..September 23 - October 22Libras can be really... Read More

How to Protect Your Baby from SIDS

What do These Things Have in Common: An Epidemic of... Read More

Choosing Baby Names for Twins

Choosing a baby name for your new born can be... Read More

7 Stages of Potty Training

There are seven stages of potty training. They begin with... Read More

Sharing Baby Photos Online with Birth Announcements & Baby Photo Album Services

Congratulations! You're a new parent and you've brought your precious,... Read More

What Should You Consider When Choosing Baby Clothes

Are you expecting a baby? You might be tempted to... Read More

Healthy Baby Food - When is the Best Time to Start Consuming Juice?

Mother's milk is the best choice for healthy baby food.... Read More

Your Baby Nursery - Decorating a Fabulous and Functional Room

Decorating a baby nursery can be one of the most... Read More

Should Your Baby Sleep In Your Bed?

Should baby sleep in her own cot or... Read More

Naming Your Baby - How to Get the Most out of Your Babynaming Ceremony

You've engaged a celebrant and you've picked the day. So... Read More

Movement and Infants

Besides the fact that they were built to do so,... Read More

Baby Room Themes: Fun Ideas Your Baby Will Love

Decorating a nursery for your new baby can be a... Read More

Infantile Cradle Cap - Symptoms and Treatments

What is cradle cap?What is the cause?No one really knows... Read More

How to Find Those Elusive Baby Gifts That Are Just Right

Baby Gifts from gift certificates to very expensive toys. Something... Read More

The Scoop on Giving Your Baby Juice

Many moms like to think that as soon as their... Read More

Potty Training At Daycare and Preschool

With 61% of children between the ages of birth and... Read More

Baby Furniture Buyers Guide

Communication between the guests would be wise to prevent any... Read More

Five Ready Signs to Start Potty Training

Starting new things for your child sometime difficult, but you... Read More

Baby Safety & the Family Dog

I recall how wonderful the baby swing in particular, was... Read More

Baby Bedding Wants Vs. Bedding Baby Needs

If you walk into any baby store or online baby... Read More