Tantrums

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

 

Sometimes it can happen so quick, you're hardly prepared. Other times you tell yourself you should have seen it coming. And sometimes it stops as abruptly as it starts. Oh those tantrums – they give me quite a headache.

 

A tantrum at work

One moment it's all sweetness and smiles and suddenly your toddler transforms. But as any parent of a toddler will tell you, tantrums are normal. They're part of a toddler's life – a normal part of growing up. Toddlers aren't bad, they're simply acting their age.

There are tons of reasons for a toddler's tantrums. Here are some of the more common ones:

The need to release frustration.

The need to express their feelings, needs and wishesThe need to assert themselves– Ayanna typically reacts when decisions are made for her, when she feels a lack of control on her life. That's when she sees the need to assert her independence.

Hunger. Exhaustion, over stimulation, boredom (very common triggers)

Prevention is the best defense.

Be sure to give your child enough opportunity to let off steam – encourage them to express themselves verbally or help them out in doing so.

Tailor your toddler's life to his or her personality – We keep to regular routines to reduce the risk of tantrums.

Avoid letting your toddler go for long stretches without food – We carry nutritious snacks wherever we go just in case the little one gets hungry.

Relax the rules a bit – Mummy tries not to be over-controlling. We try to reduce the need to say no. When possible we say yes or try negotiating, which works with Ayanna. We provide her with choices, letting her choose a book to read or a dress to wear.