13 Tips for Handling Toddler Tantrums Like a Pro
There's a secret to these tantrums; you are here to get juicy bits.
- Cyra Sanchez
- 5 min read
Treat toddler tantrums as a normal phase of life, remain calm, and be consistent. These are the keys to keeping manageable tantrums under control. Knowing what triggers certain behavior and teaching alternative means of communication may allow you to avoid an outburst.
1. Stay Calm and Composed
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When your toddler explodes like a miniature volcano, staying calm is key. It can also prevent the situation from getting out of hand and give your child a model of appropriate behavior. Breathe deeply and keep your tone soft. Your calm can settle your child during their meltdown.
2. Acknowledge Their Feelings
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Can you imagine living in an environment where you cannot be yourself? It is not easy, isn’t it? It’s the same with toddlers most of the time. This validates their feelings by acknowledging their emotions. You might say, “I can see you’re upset because we can’t stay at the park for another hour.” Recognition can make them feel seen and not so alone in their frustration.
3. Set Clear and Consistent Boundaries
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Boundaries are the guardrails on the winding road that keep everyone safe. Simple and consistent rules aid a toddler’s understanding of what is expected. Keeping things consistent helps them learn and makes things less confusing. For example, if 8 PM is bedtime, do it every day. Providing predictability is reassuring and can also lead to less tantrums.
4. Use Distraction Techniques
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When a storm is brewing, sometimes you have to distract yourself with a shiny object. Distracting your toddler redirects his attention away from what it is that’s bothering him. Introduce a new toy, start a silly game, or simply call their attention to something — “What’s that giraffe doing?” This approach can short-circuit a potential tantrum. Redirecting their energy in a positive way is the key.
5. Offer Simple Choices
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Even in small ways, toddlers want to feel empowered. This gives them a sense of agency and decreases the likelihood of resistance. Instead of dictating, download the picture and ask, “Would you like the red or blue cup?” This method can be a power struggle preemptor. It also encourages decision-making skills from a young age.
6. Maintain a Routine
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Imagine a world where nothing is predictable. It would be uncomfortable, right? A consistent routine gives toddlers security. Regular mealtimes, naps, and playtimes help them understand what will happen next. That predictability can ease anxiety and tantrums. Routines help make the world more predictable for little ones.
7. Teach and Encourage Self-Regulation
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Helping your child learn to process their emotions is like giving them a toolkit for life. Self-regulation skills allow toddlers to manage intense emotions. Use deep breathing techniques or calming techniques together. Eventually, they will begin to use these ways independently. This is an investment in their emotional health.
8. Use Positive Reinforcement
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The opposite of bad attention is to catch them being good and let them know you see it. If they engage in pro-social behavior, praise prompts them to do it again. Tell them, “Good job sharing your toys today!” to reinforce good conduct. Positive enforcement builds self-esteem. It emphasizes desirable behaviors instead of negative ones.
9. Implement Time-Outs Effectively
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Sometimes, all it takes is a pause to hit reset. This provides a time-out for toddlers to calm down and think things through. Make sure the time-out location is safe and distraction-free. Keep it short: roughly one minute for every year of age. After the moment has passed, calmly talk about the behavior to help reinforce the learning.
10. Model Appropriate Behavior
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Most of the time, little eyes are watching and learning. They model how they express frustration and anger in a calm manner. What you do speaks louder than any words ever can. They see how you play the better hand not by folding but by rising to the occasion. Modeling provides the groundwork for their behavior.
11. Prepare for Transitions
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For toddlers, switching activities can feel jarring. A little heads-up eases the transition. Say, “We will need to leave the playground in five minutes.” Doing so allows them to prepare mentally for the transition.
12. Ensure Basic Needs Are Met
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A tired or hungry toddler is a tantrum explosion waiting to happen. Ensure kids are rested and fed so they’re not prone to meltdowns. Ideally, carry snacks and keep to nap schedules, for the most part, when you’re out. Preventive measures that ensure basic needs with the constraints embodied in the “can do” philosophy can head off many tantrums. It’s about preparing them for success.
13. Seek Professional Help if Needed
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If tantrums seem frequent or severe, it may be time to seek expert help. Frequent meltdowns might signal that all is not well. A child psychologist or pediatrician can advise you on this. Early action can have a serious impact. It is okay to seek help where it is necessary.