How To Tame A Terrible Toddler
Written by Jana Angeles
Toddlers all have their individual personalities. For tiny humans, they have so much power over us – they don’t even realise it! We’ve become accustomed to their needs and wants on the regular and we’d feel terrible if these weren’t met, leading to the inevitable meltdowns that could be heard through the paper thin walls of our homes.
Taming a terrible toddler doesn’t mean there are quick fixes in improving their behaviour. With a little patience, understanding and effort, we can find ways to settle them down once and for all. We are not made to be perfect parents. Parenting would be a lot easier if we were exactly that. Otherwise, all we can do is learn as we go in this strange journey and hope for the best! Here are things you can do to tame your terrible toddler…
Pinpoint all the things that make them frustrated
The little ones we raise all have energy levels that triple ours. Obviously, we are cautious about safety and would rather stick them in the corner for their own good, reaching a sense of calm in the household and avoiding any breakages. For a child to remain mobile, this could lead to many meltdowns as they aren’t getting what they want.
Most toddlers that are happy need a proper routine in place meaning they need to be fed and sticking to a predictable sleeping schedule. It’s important to recognise the habits of your little one and pinpoint anything that makes them peaceful. It’s only a matter of time we can compare this behaviour to their usual terrible moods.
They actively want to explore
There’s no use confining your toddler to one space. This is unhealthy for your child’s development. Being at this stage, you should be out and about, going to parks or fun attractions aimed for children. It can be easy to feel lazy and have no motivation to do things with our kids.
The responsibilities of adulthood can be overwhelming but we must make time. Make time for your toddler and help them use their senses by taking them somewhere unfamiliar and exciting. It can help them feel calm and recognise a new level of content with themselves.
Let them finish their tantrum
Like us adults, it’s best to keep our emotions out than keeping them in. Having toddlers throw the occasional tantrum can be their way of seeking our approval or attention. The best thing you can do is let them carry on until they are finally finished. If this doesn’t happen and you’re in a public setting, remove them from it and take them home. Save the embarrassment of getting stares from people and just deal with your child’s behaviour at a familiar setting.
Don’t give in too easily
It’s tempting to give everything to our children. We are programmed into being overly generous and it makes us feel like we’re good parents. Although this is great for the odd occasional treat, avoid spoiling your children.
Though this can cause your toddler to go haywire, don’t feel obligated to give in all the time. Let them learn that they can’t have everything for themselves and that patience is key when it comes the occasional toy or sweet treat.
If we give in too easily, our children won’t bother listening to us unless we give them something in return. Not only is this an extremely draining expense to the bank account, your child will focus on the materialistic things in life and not learn about the values you should be teaching them while they’re growing up. It can also break bonds between you and your child, making it difficult to reconnect with each other throughout your relationship.
Taming a toddler looks easy from the outside but as parents, we are struggling to improve their behaviour constantly. There’s no use beating ourselves up or feeling guilty over their behaviour.
They are children and compared to us, they have a limited sense of understanding about the world and their own wellbeing. Give them the time and space, teach them a thing or two about being calm. Meet them halfway and don’t be afraid to jump in if things get too out of hand.