3 rules to over come tantrum

How to survive a two year olds tantrum?

When your little angle is approaching or just a little past two years old is changing into a boisterous child, you don’t know what to do when the kicking, screaming or laying on a floor starts?

You are not alone, every child goes through that phase at some time, its up to you how you will handle it.

As known, two year old tantrum can appear as soon as 18 months and can last with more deeply or just small signs, don't get scare: till 5th birthday. In that time our patience is pushed to limits, but put it this way; it’s one of the more important moments in your childs life. That’s when he/she recognizes his/hers personality, that he/she is one person and want to do everything on its own. In our own words; they are exploring a big world, and sometimes by pushing our nerves and patience to the limits.

To make it trough and not go crazy, make sure you have plenty patience on hand.

Don’t help the child all the time just to do it quicker:

- instead of opening doors or pushing a button in elevator, ask your little one to help you, and after words say "thank you so much for your help"

- when his/hers help it’s impossible do to safety issues, explain why he/she can’t help you this time and stick to it

- let him/her help you while you vacuuming or sweeping a floor, or help you decorate sandwiches with salad, put napkins on table before dinner… you get the picture :)

- easy, but important for that age roles will make them happy and your life easier

Teach to be independent, that’s what is all about any way:

- let him/her choose cloths in the morning, even if it’s cold and she choose a skirt or a boy chooses shorts, tell him/her: ok you can, but only if you put tights or pants under

- wash hands and brush teeth, (I always say: first its your turn, then mommy’s)

- the plate he/she wants to use for dinner, or which cup he/she wants milk in

- don’t run to help or rush the child to do it, it takes some time and practice

- also remember by letting him/her choose, give him/her two or top three items to choose from, so it won’t take forever to make a decision and he/she will think they chose on their own

Give your toddler important tasks:

- tell him/her to turn on or off lights in other room, and don’t follow to see if they do it, show them that you trust and belive in the little one

- give food to a dog/cat

- put shoes away

- just remember to give every time a compliment!!! Very important part of this step

Play with your little one a little game:

- every day when the playtime approaches, let him/her tell you what game he/she wants to play, allow your precious one to think of the rules, but only if they don’t outstand any major ones that would apply by you.

Select a place that’s only your toddlers:

- a two year old not only wants to have everything but also tries to own everyone, don’t let that happen

- assign a place that only it's his/hers, especially if he/she doesn’t have own room, everybody needs a place of their own even a little person

- make one corner of his/hers, (toys, books, anything they want to have it there) so they know it belongs to them, if anybody wants to play with their property, they need to ask for their permission

Tough rules, strong feelings:

1. Very often compliment your kids

2. Criticise behaviour , NOT your toddler

3. Always carefully listen what you little one wants to tell you

 

If you really feel you will explode soon, STOP, step away for a second and count to ten, then think about the situation and if it's worth it, you will show him/her that they won... Or they might do the same just to get your attention

 

Don't make that mistake:

- first stand on a side for a moment to cool off, take couple of deep breaths

- don't struggle with him/her, just wait out the tantrum, don't argue with the toddler it will just add more wood to a fire

- try to look at it from a different point of view, with a little humor in it, even if its not funny at all

- when its over try to ask why he/she acted that why, and tell him/her that next time they need to ask you if he/she can have it, or if he/she wants your attention, doesn't need to act out to get it, just nicely ask 

- hugs and kisses and move on...