We've all been there – toddler meltdowns. It's not easy or pretty, so we're putting our experience to good use with these quick tips to control full-scale meltdowns…
We’ve all been there… you promised the kids ice cream, and their fave flavour is out of stock. Cue major meltdown (‘scuse the pun!). Or you desperately need to pop to the supermarket to restock the bare cupboards, but your tot is not playing ball. Cue serious tanty. Yep, we all know that tots can go from tame to temper in less time than it takes to knock back the dregs of our daily coffee, and we’ll be honest, we reckon it’s one of the most difficult (and exhausting) parts of parenting. Thankfully there are some tips ‘n’ tricks we can all try to salvage the situation on the road to successfully taming toddler temper tantrums…
Tips and tricks for surviving temper tantrums
1. Snack time
Hungry kids are hangry kids: never underestimate the power of hunger. A quick healthy snack goes a long way in preventing toddler combustion point, so even if it is just 15 minutes before dinner, whip out something light like a watermelon slice to keep crankiness at bay.
2. Distract them!
Children are not able to take in large amounts of information when they’re upset. Speak calmly, maintain a steady tone of voice, and use simple words. You can save that big, lesson-imparting lecture for later when both of you are much calmer. During this time, guide them on expressing their feelings better through activities like art, craft or sensory play, or distract them with a fun picture book. We’ve got a roundup of lovely reads that deal with feelings and emotions to help too.
3. Deal or no deal
Engaging in a debate with your raging toddler is not the way forward. If they sense even the teeniest chink in your resolve, they’ll hone in for the kill. Instead of arguing with them (it’s hard, we get it), cut a deal. “Mummy understands you’re frustrated now, but you can have the cookie after you’ve eaten all your dinner”. Yep: there’s a lot of internal counting to 10 and managing your own temper when it comes to parenting tiny terrors…
4. Ignore them
You’ll need nerves of steel for this, and probably best not done when you’re feeling especially hormonal or stressed yourself… Completely ignore the temper tantrum and get busy with something else, like reading a magazine or prepping dinner. Explain, “Let me know when you’re done”, and ignore them until they’ve calmed down. Ear plugs may help…
5. Get down on their level: literally
If you find your toddler making a scene, get down on your knees and take a few moments to hold them by their hands. Children tend to react better with closer physical contact. Not ideal if you’re out and about, but we’ve all been that mother in a shopping mall whose child is laid out on the floor having the mother of all strops. No judgement here.
6. Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles
Believe it or not, grabbing a bubble wand and blowing bubbles with the kids is one of the quickest solutions to meltdown moments. Fact: bubbles both distract and calm children – blowing bubbles causes both you and your child to take deep breaths in and out, a known way of reclaiming your composure in times of exasperation. Win, win, we say, as this will help your kiddo AND you calm-a-llama down.
All about temper tantrums
Why do kids have tantrums?
Children have tantrums as a way to express themselves. A toddler’s world is one of frustration, and with limited verbal skills, they express their frustrations typically through screaming, shouting, crying, and kicking, often whilst laying on the floor.
When should you expect tantrums?
Typically parents dread the arrival of the ‘terrible twos’, but tantrums can start much earlier at around 14-15 months. Between the ages of one and three years old, children are at a stage of their development where they are naturally curious. They become frustrated at every turn when their investigations are thwarted by adults telling them, ” no, don’t touch!” Children are also physically wanting to achieve more than their bodies will allow. Have you ever noticed how toddlers like to try and push heavy objects, or carry so many things around at one time, but they keep dropping them?
What can you do to avoid them or at least reduce their frequency?
Temper tantrums are a normal stage of any child’s development, and parents should remember this. The best way to try and reduce their frequency is for parents and caregivers to try and work together to provide a consistent environment for the child. Kids need routine and consistent care and expectations sprinkled with generous amounts of understanding and love during this time. Try to provide other outlets for your child’s emotions too. Some children benefit greatly from quieter, sensory play with dough, water, paint, or goop, while others like to run and climb through their emotions.
When do tantrums get easier?
In our experience, tantrums become less frequent from three years old onwards. Of course, every kid is different, and this will be determined by lots of other factors. For example, children can regress during times of emotional upheaval, e.g. new baby, moving house, new school etc., and parents need to be aware of possible triggers. Just remember, it’s normal – and you’re not alone in the world of tantrums!
You’ve got this, parents!
