Toddlers With Tantrum Problems
If your toddler is having a temper tantrum at home, it can be tempting to walk away and leave him to escape the screaming. Or if you're out, giving in can seem to be the only option to get it to stop. There are things you can do in both scenarios to end the tantrum quickly or, better yet, prevent it from happening in the first place.
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At Home
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If your toddler has temper tantrums at home, your best option is usually to simply ignore the tantrum. You can do this while staying close, such as sitting on a couch nearby and looking at a magazine. This way, your toddler knows you are nearby and doesn't feel abandoned. Don't speak to him or acknowledge the behavior until he stops crying. If your toddler needs time alone during a tantrum, you can either put him in his bedroom, or go to your room.
When You're Out
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You can also ignore the behavior when you're out, but this is much more difficult, especially if you are in a restaurant or place where other people expect things to be quiet. One option is to leave wherever you are with your toddler and go home. If your toddler throws tantrums frequently when you're out, this can be helpful. Children this age generally like going out, so he will soon learn that the only thing he gets out of having a tantrum is an early trip home.
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After the Tantrum
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When your toddler is done having a tantrum, briefly talk to him to find out what was wrong and talk about how to handle it in the future, such as by talking to you. If he wanted something, explain that crying and screaming is not the way to get what he wants. However, once you say this, make sure you follow through and do not give him what he wants while he's having a tantrum. It's also important to hug him and tell him you love him so he feels secure in his relationship with you, even when his emotions are out of control.
Prevention
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There are several ways to help prevent tantrums in toddlers. Start by making sure your child is well-rested and well-fed. A tired or hungry toddler is much more likely to have a meltdown. Then, ensure that your toddler knows your expectations. If he never gets a cookie in the morning, he will be much less likely to throw a tantrum one day when you refuse to give him one. Finally, find ways to say no without actually saying no. For example, when he wants that cookie in the morning, say "Sure, when we're done with lunch you can have a cookie."
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References
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