Things You'll Need:
- PATIENCE
- water bottle
- snack
- Always have the last two with young children.
-
Step 1
Take a big deep breath and remember this is only a tantrum and it too will pass.
-
Step 2
If you are in a public place, pick up your child and go somewhere quiet if at all possible. Feeling like people are watching never helped any parent deal with a tantrum. But do remember most people are sympathetic, they have had their own toddler' s with tantrums. The only judgmental group I encounter is first time parents of 1 year olds who just haven't got there yet and can't imagine it. Don't worry their time IS coming.
-
Step 3
Once you are away from the crowd. Relax your child is going to yell and kick for a little bit. It won't hurt them and it really won't hurt you. You can offer them a snack or water but other than that don't try to reason. Soft Soothing word are best but don't really end the tantrum. They Do let your child know you are there and aren't abandoning them to their awful emotions. Toddlers are often a little frightened at how powerful their emotions are during a tantrum.
-
Step 4
Keep in mind a tantrum is not fun for your child. It is a breaking point of frustration that what they are trying to do isn't working. For example they asked for a piece of candy but someone said no. Why didn't asking work? They don't know and don't care. They are frustrated. When they try their next step like asking louder or again. There is more frustration. Until it is just overwhelming. Then you get a toddler tantrum.
-
Step 5
Try to prevent them. When you have an over tired toddler let them go somewhere quiet for a little while. It will help. Don't let them get hungry. Have a health (or even unhealthy in a pinch) snack available to them bananas and apples are easy to carry. So are cheerios. These small things really help to stop a tantrum before it starts.
-
Step 6
Know there are no magic techniques just desperate parents and tantrum throwing toddlers and the occasional distraction that works the one or two times. But really this stage will end and you can smile the next time you see someone in that stage.
