TOP TIPS ON HOW TO MANAGE YOUR TODDLER’S ANGER

Written by Jana Angeles 

Parenting is a tough gig and it almost seems impossible to gain that work-life balance when your juggling young kids with an already hectic schedule. Getting to the toddler stage can be difficult and it so happens that sometimes, kids just lose it and aren’t able to regulate their anger. While it may not be ideal to have them throw a tantrum in public, it happens, so it’s best to be prepared. While it’s not easy to manage your child’s emotions altogether, there are ways that can help improve your situation and enable your toddler to be less angry when things don’t go their way. Consider these steps to help you manage those threenager mood swings. 

Have a conversation with them  

If you already know your toddler is mad about something in particular, it’s best to talk to them about it. This will help them work through their anger and feel calm that you are helping them get through this experience together. Giving them the time of day can really help instead of lecturing them about what they did wrong. If you are calm and collected, so will they. There is no point getting frustrated or mad at them for feeling this way. They are human after all and sometimes we get mad and that’s okay as long as we’re not hurting anyone in the process. Don’t shame your child for feeling the way they do. Having a reasonable conversation can go a long way. 

Help them channel their anger through movement  

Whether it’s taking them to the park and letting them run, or simply allowing them to dance to some happy music, having them move in an energetic yet fun way can help them regulate their angry moods. By simply getting them to move their bodies can help release the tension they feel from being angry. This can be a productive way in channeling their emotions since exercise generally helps as feel happier afterwards. This can be said the same for kids too, especially if it’s a fun way of exercising. 

Show comfort and affection towards them  

Sometimes what your toddler needs is a good cuddle after a tantrum. By showing them love and affection can help put their mind at ease and forget about being angry. It’s sometimes best to be forgiving of their actions and understand that just because they’re angry doesn’t mean it’s to you personally. It can be from playing a game that has left them frustrated, another child not playing with them or having the inability to express how they feel. No matter what, you should welcome your child with open arms and let them know that everything is going to be alright and that you forgive them, despite their angry tantrums that happen on occasion. 

Set a good example for them to look up to  

If you’re shocked that your child has had these sudden angry outbursts, have a look at the environment that they are in. If you and your partner have had heated debates more than usual, which usually ends in an argument – or you are watching television with angry characters, your child may have picked up this angry behaviour from somewhere. Do your best to set an example for your child and not expose them in unpleasant situations where fighting does happen. Although this can’t be prevented at times, know that you can control where you are, so move to another room if you and your partner find yourselves arguing. Your child is mimicking every action or behaviour you expose them with, so be careful and try and be a positive role model for them. 

Give them praise when they have shown good behaviour 

If your toddler has been struggling with some anger issues, you may notice progress when you see them throw tantrums less. If you’ve noticed that they are calm and collected, showing signs of patience or are doing their best to not release their angry emotions in an unhealthy way (for e.g they have stopped throwing toys against the wall during a tantrum), reward them for their efforts. You have to appreciate that they have shown progress, despite the struggle and it’s worth noticing how far they’ve come.