A Therapist’s Guide to Managing Toddler Tantrums

Many parents have had to deal with toddler tantrums in the middle of the supermarket. When it happens, the parents start getting nervous and don’t know how to react, especially when surrounded by lots of people. Today, we’ll share advice from an expert to help you manage the situation next time it happens.

Understanding Toddler Tantrums

Parents must understand that tantrums are a sign of extreme emotions all toddlers experience. It might be anger, frustration, or sadness, and it usually lasts for about 10 to 15 minutes. Most often, tantrums include crying, screaming, kicking, throwing things, breath-holding, and more.

Once your toddler starts growing, talking, and understanding the world around them, these tantrums will disappear. Luckily, there are ways to help your child calm down and manage their emotions. There are a few approaches parents can take at home. It will help children cope with their emotions and lead to better behavior.

Teach Kids About Emotions

Parents need to remember that children don’t understand emotions, so they’re unsure how to express them. However, you can help them. Use words to describe different feelings to your child, and be honest with them.

Use movies or picture books to label emotions such as happy, sad, angry, hungry, or tired. It will help the toddler concentrate better and learn how to communicate and specify when something’s wrong.

Encourage Positive Behavior

Toddlers love being praised and rewarded when they act good or stay calm in stressful situations. It will show them that their positive behavior is noticed and valued.

If, for example, they go through a tantrum and you praise them right after they deal with it, they will feel a lot better. You can tell them you’re proud of how they managed to calm down. Remember to not give in during the tantrums, as this will make them think they can get whatever they want if they act that way.