Understanding Your Toddler’s Tantrums

Toddler tantrums can be both embarrassing and traumatic.  This is just another normal phase of your toddler’s development.  Many tantrums are due to the fact that your toddler just doesn’t have the necessary vocabulary to express his feelings.

He’s gone from being a bystander in life and just letting the world pass him by to fully diving in and wanting to explore and grab every little thing life has to offer.  Along with this newfound thirst for life also come many emotions and the feeling of not being able to express these emotions.

That’s why when your toddler feels tired, hungry, or just bored and cranky he will result to having a tantrum as a way to change a situation he doesn’t like or has any control over.  By the same token, your toddler may also have a tantrum when she doesn’t get her way. 

When this tantrum rears it’s ugly head, you certainly shouldn’t give in.  As tempting as it may be, if you’ve said no to something you should stick to no.  If you give in now, you’re child will think next time he throws a tantrum he’ll get his own way too.  This will create a cycle of repeat tantrums.

However, you should be close at hand and ready to give your toddler a big hug once he has calmed down.  Reassure him that you still love him and let him know how pleased you are that he has regained control.  This will emphasize the fact that he has been able to control his emotions and will give him the confidence to know he is able to control himself at certain times.

Above all,  try not to get too frustrated or upset by your toddlers tantrum.  The worst thing you can do is lose control yourself; this will only make the situation worst. 

As your toddler goes through this normal phase of development, keep the future in sight.  You are teaching your toddler a very valuable lesson on how to control and deal with his emotions.  Best of all, the tantrums will soon pass.