How to Stop a Toddler Tantrum

Every care giver's worst nightmare is the toddler temper tantrum. Loud and tearful, a temper tantrum can put a damper on any activity. To keep the peace, and stop a temper tantrum in its tracks, learn some creative ways to divert the toddler's attention and address some core reasons for the outburst.

Instructions

1. Ignore the tantrum. Don't yell at or try to reason with a toddler during a tantrum. As many of us know, this is useless. Instead, go about your business like there's nothing out of the ordinary going on. This indicates to the toddler that such behavior has no effect on the situation.

2. Distract the toddler. Toddlers throw fits because they need attention or didn't get their way. Distracting them with attention or guiding them to another activity may be just what they need to divert their anger.

3. Stand your ground. Make sure they know that their tantrum won't change your actions in any way. This means not giving in, no matter how loud they may get.

4. Institute a time out. Not just for punishments, time outs are just that: time to clear their head, have a break and withdraw from the issue at hand. Make sure that this time out isn't a punishment. Instead, try to calm them, take them from the situation quietly, let them cool down and let the tantrum pass. Then, return to your normal activity.

5. Give your toddler more attention and focus on as many positive things they do as you can. Tantrums are often a cry for attention or an emotional outlet. Sometimes, addressing the core cause of the tantrum will help. To do this, make sure to give your toddler plenty of positive feedback, hugs and kisses. This way, your toddler will know that he'll get attention from the good things he does, rather than the not-so-good things.

Tips & Warnings

• Mimic their fit, if you have a sense of humor. Sometimes it will change the climate of the situation if you can turn their behavior into something funny and distract them.