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Toddler Articles- Toddler Temper
Tantrums
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How To Deal With Toddler Temper Tantrums
By Jackie G. Maxwell
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.
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
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