As parents, we are no strangers to temper tantrums – especially during a toddler diaper change. But what can be done to reduce their frequency and make them more bearable?
Unfortunately, there’s no catch-all solution for day-to-day meltdowns but there are a few things you can do to help your toddler work through their big emotions so you can both come out on the other side unscathed.
Stay Calm
While this is easier said than done, staying calm is one of the most important things you can do, both for yourself and your toddler. Even if toddlers can’t fully voice or explain their emotions, they are able to pick up on how others are feeling. If you react to their big emotions with your own, you may end up escalating a situation you meant to diffuse.
However, if you are able to stay calm, you are giving your toddler a stabilizing force to lean on while they work through their emotions. Showing them that it is possible to feel a wide range of emotions while still displaying a calm demeanor is an important life lesson.
Avoid Giving Into Their Demands
Besides, exhibiting frustration sometimes parents may attempt to coddle or appease their toddler in the middle of a meltdown. Often parents do this without realizing it may have a detrimental impact.
When you give in to your toddler’s demands you are showing them that this behavior is an effective way for them to get what they want. It may not always be easy, but stay firm in your choice. Let your toddler know you are there for them, and then calmly sit back to let them safely process their emotions. Give Your Toddler Some Control
Avoid tantrums over “I don’t want’s” by allowing your little one to make small decisions. It will improve both their mood and make them feel like“a big kid”.
Asking questions such as “would you like pasta or a sandwich for dinner” or “would you like to wear your red shoes or your blue shoes” instead of telling them what to do will give them more control and bodily autonomy. While at the same time avoiding upsets over decisions they don’t like. Toddlers can be are fickle but they are less likely to react negatively if it is a choice they have made themselves.
Give Your Toddler Some Control
Avoid tantrums over “I don’t want’s” by allowing your little one to make small decisions. It will improve both their mood and make them feel like“a big kid”.
Asking questions such as “would you like pasta or a sandwich for dinner” or “would you like to wear your red shoes or your blue shoes” instead of telling them what to do will give them more control and bodily autonomy. While at the same time avoiding upsets over decisions they don’t like. Toddlers can be are fickle but they are less likely to react negatively if it is a choice they have made themselves.
Redirection
“Redirection” is another great way to help diffuse or avoid a potential meltdown. You know your toddler better than anyone so when you see signs of an impending tantrum, try changing activities and or moving your toddler away from what is triggering them. Instead, focus them on an activity they enjoy. This also works at diaper time, when you introduce a diaper changing game to hold your little ones’ attention.
Use Your Words As a Tool
We always tell toddlers to use their words, so why shouldn’t that apply to us as well? Make an effort to start explaining what you are doing to with toddler and why you are doing it. When you simply tell a toddler “no” or “because I said so” you are telling them that communication is not important. Since this is the exact opposite of what you want your child to do, make sure you are modeling a good example for them.
Remember, there is no magic catch-all solution to make eliminate tantrums completely. But by using some of these tips, you can reduce the frequency in which these meltdowns happen. Pick whatever solution works for you, your child, and the situation at hand then go from there.
Have You Used These Techniques with your Toddler?
Authors Bio
This post was written by Alanna from Diapertainment. As a mother of 3, she uses first-hand knowledge to provide tips on diapering, safety, toddler development, and more.
