Keep Your Head Cool Over
Toddler Tantrum
Have you ever experienced dealing with toddler tantrum thrown by your own
three-year-old? You were in the midst of checking and comparing the prices of items
on the supermarket shelves, when suddenly your toddler tugged your blouse and demanded
to have a packet of sweets. With a firm ‘no’, you continued with your purchase. Then,
as if, you have physically hurt him, he started crying and screaming, attracting the
attention of all the other shoppers.
Why does toddler tantrum occur? From a cheerful personality, in just an instance, he
could change into a totally different person. It could be that the toddler is going
through a new phase in his young life. The arrival of a new sibling could mean he will
not get the full attention he used to get anymore. He needs to adjust to a totally
different situation. Another possible reason is that if he could not understand the
reason why an adult had to say no to his request. There are also instances whereby,
a toddler throws tantrum when he is tired or feeling sleepy.
As parents, we need to recognize all these tell-tales so as not to create scenes
especially when we are having family outings or visiting family and friends. Toddlers
tantrums can happen anywhere. Be it in the comfort of your home, in the park, shopping
malls or at his playschool. A toddler cannot distinguish where and when they should or
should not throw a tantrum. If it happens during outings, the parents should be calm
and not add more to the already highly-charged emotions! Time wise, your toddler could
also choose to say his piece during your morning rush hours to work. Things can go wrong
easily and if not resolved properly, will leave you feeling anxiety and adding stress at
work.
So, how are parents to
handle toddler tantrum?
One can try to distract him. For example,
if he insists on buying a toy (which he already has a few at home), try distracting him. Trying to reason to him at this moment will bring no benefits to both parties. Once he
has calm down, then only start communicating with him. However, not all the distractions
will give positive results. Offering other alternatives may also bring about another
tantrum from him (if you decide not to buy him the toy)! If this happens, just pick him up
and leave the place. No talking will knock any sense into him at that moment.
Parents too need to have their emotions in control. Try not to lose any temper and the best
of all is to prepare yourself for all this eventuality. In whatever method that you choose
always be firm and consistent. Stay calm when faced with this situation. Be sensitive to
toddler’s changing moods and also his routine. In the end you will notice that, all he wants is just your undivided attention and love.