Tantrums are all part and parcel of your toddler growing up and trying to express emotions. But knowing this doesn’t help you deal with them at the moment. Here are our tips on how to cope with three common triggers – morning, bedtime, and when you’re out-and-about.
- Morning meltdowns
If you’re finding that you and your toddler are frazzled before your first cup of coffee in the morning, there are a few things you can do to ease stressful morning meltdowns. Try setting your alarm ten minutes earlier and use this extra time cuddling or reading a book together. Although your toddler is desperate to be independent, they still need you and these few precious minutes might help reassure them. Try and pick your battles. If you’re staying at home, do they need to get dressed straight away? If they’re off to nursery, rather than wrestle your screaming toddler into an outfit, can you drop them off in their pajamas? The night before, choose what you’re going to wear, set the breakfast table and get the nappy bag packed so you have less to do in the morning. If all else fails, try distracting your toddler. Play some music while you’re getting them dressed, sing a song, or do something silly – your toddler will soon forget all about not wanting to put socks on when you’re pulling a funny face or blowing a raspberry on their tummy.
- Bedtime battles
After a busy day, all you want to do is get your little one to bed so you can relax, but often your toddler has other plans. Only a few months ago your baby would go to bed without a whimper, but now your feisty toddler will arch their back, scream and refuse to go to sleep. Now, more than ever, it’s important to stick to a bedtime routine. Toddlers don’t like to be surprised so if you yank them away from playing for a bath, they’re likely to be upset. Instead, after dinner, remind them that they’re going to be having a bath soon and maybe ask them to pick out a toy to play within the water. It’s also important to set boundaries and to be consistent each night. Stick to a set length of time in the bath, only one or two books and then a big hug and kiss goodnight.
- When you’re out and about
Dealing with toddler tantrums in your own home is one thing, but trying to cope with a screaming child when you’re out is a whole different matter. It can feel like everyone is looking at you and judging your parenting skills but more likely they’ll be looking on with sympathy or remembering when their toddler did the same. If there is nothing obvious causing the tantrum (like hunger or a dirty diaper) distraction is key. Try changing the environment – take them over to a window and point out what you can see or show them an interesting storefront. Be firm and don’t give in if they’re demanding something you don’t want them to have. Talk in a gentle voice and offer hugs and comfort – sometimes they don’t know why they’re crying and just need to be held while they let it all out.
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