We’ve all been there!  Whether in a public setting or in the privacy of our home, we’ve all been faced with tantrumsaurus rex! That moment when our sweet little toddlers have outbursts that want to send us running for the hills!  Don’t worry! It’s important to note that not all tantrums are the same.  Some are brought on by a child's frustration and fatigue while others may be forms of attention-seeking or demanding behavior. Here are some tips to help regain control of the situation in a loving way.

Many times you will see your toddler become frustrated when we can't understand what they want. This is understandable! In this situation, the best trick is to give encouragement and love.  Calm them down before it gets too far, reassure them that you love them and that their needs will be meet. Start with the basics first, hungry, tired, thirsty, pain.   



In older toddlers, you may be upset because they're unable to put something together or get something to work. In these situations, the best response is encouragement and understanding. Offer to help them or give them a little direction. Praise also helps. Give praise for trying, praise for not giving up, and praise for not having a full-blown tantrum.



Children also throw tantrums to get their own way. We’ve all been there or seen it, a child in a full blown tantrum over an item at the grocery store.  If you are the parent, it’s tempting to just give in. Truthfully, this is the worst thing to do.  Let the tantrum run its course. If you're at home and your child is safe, let him tire himself out. In public, remove him from public places for the consideration of others. Avoid trying to reason with your child, with toddler, redirection is often successful. Divert your child’s attention to something else, ask them questions, excitedly announce a new item so that they immediately become intrigued and forget the item that’s causing the tantrum.

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The best advice is to pick your battles wisely. When your child wants something, consider the request carefully. Is it outrageous? Maybe it isn't. If its something simple that doesn’t bring harm to them or others around them, if its an easy thing then why not allow it?
 

Remember, temper tantrums don't last forever (although sometimes they may feel like they do). As your child gains a better grasp of themselves and their world, their level of frustration will decrease; less frustration and more control mean fewer tantrums — and that makes everyone happier.