Toddlers are absolutely adorable. They are cute, funny, curious, and sometimes stubborn. If you are the parent of a toddler, then you may be all too familiar with toddler tantrums. If your child has epic tantrums, the screaming, crying, hitting, and biting behavior can be very upsetting. You likely feel overwhelmed and incredibly frustrated when it seems like you cannot calm your child. Being hit, bit, or subjected to loud screaming and crying can be embarrassing when it happens in public.
Toddlers can be strong willed and difficult to handle at the best of times, but when they’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, it can be tough to know how to calm them down. Here are three techniques that can help.
1) Distraction
One of the easiest ways to calm a toddler is to distract them from whatever it is that’s causing them stress. This could mean anything from singing a song or telling a story to giving them a new toy to play with.
2) Comfort
If your toddler is upset, one of the best ways to calm them down is to comfort them. This could mean hugging them, kissing them on the forehead, or simply talking to them in a soothing voice.
3) Reassurance
When a toddler feels afraid or anxious, one of the best things you can do is reassure them that everything is going to be alright.
This could mean giving them a hug, stroking their hair, or simply saying “It’s going to be okay” in a comforting voice.
How do you cope with a toddler’s tantrums?
The best way to cope is to be patient. If you’re frustrated, try to stay calm and think about something that will only make you feel better. As a parent, your self care is likely low on your list of priorities. It is important that you find even a few minutes everyday to focus on something for yourself.
How to Reduce the Frequency of Tantrums and Calm a Toddler
Tantrums are a natural part of growing up. Even the most well behaved child has likely thrown at least one tantrum. To reduce the frequency and intensity of a tantrum, consider the following:
Generally, it is helpful to reduce the stress in your toddler’s daily life.
1. Serve a well-balanced diet. Your child’s diet plays a key role in his or her physical and mental health.
2. If your toddler is beginning to escalate, create a distraction.
3. Give your child an activity to occupy his or her mind.
4. Reduce screen time. Spending some time with an electronic device is not harmful, but it can lead to frustration and anger when it is time to put it aside.
5. Give your child a chance to run around to blow off some energy.
6. Avoid power struggles with your toddler. Try to give them a choice between two options that you have chosen.
If, despite your best efforts, your toddler’s tantrums seem to be getting worse, more frequent, or longer in duration, it is time to seek professional help. Send us an email or give us a call to discuss how we may help you and your toddler. We are here to help. (908-857-4422 or info@hhccnj.com)
Schedule an Appointment
To schedule an appointment, click on the Book Now button, which will take you to the client portal. There you can select the day and time that works best for you. We look forward to meeting with you and will do our very best to help.
To read more about toddler tantrums: toddler tantrums
To learn about our therapists: About Us