How To Stop Tantrums In 2 Year Old

It’s not easy to keep your cool when your child is throwing a fit. If your child has been having tantrums, it’s essential to figure out why and try to keep your own emotions under control as much as you can.

Tantrums are a natural part of development. Learn what to do in the face of a tantrum and how to prevent it in the first place.

Why Do Tantrums Happen?

Tantrums are a common behaviour in young children and can happen for a variety of reasons. They may occur as a result of frustration, exhaustion, hunger, or a desire for attention.

Children may also have tantrums as a way of expressing emotions or testing limits. Additionally, certain developmental stages, such as the terrible twos, can also increase the likelihood of tantrums.

Is It Normal For A 2-Year-Old To Have Tantrums Every Day?

It is not uncommon for 2-year-old children to have tantrums daily. This is a normal part of child development, as children at this age are learning to express themselves and navigate their environment. They may not have the verbal skills to communicate their needs and wants effectively, which can lead to frustration and tantrums.

However, it’s important to note that every child is different, and the frequency and severity of tantrums can vary. If you are concerned about your child’s tantrums, it is always a good idea to consult with your pediatrician or a child development specialist for guidance.

Should You Ignore 2-Year-Old Tantrums?

Ignoring a tantrum is one approach that parents can use to manage the behaviour. This approach is based on the idea that children may engage in tantrums to get attention from adults and that by ignoring the behaviour, the child will eventually learn that tantrums are not an effective way to get attention.

However, ignoring a tantrum doesn’t mean ignoring the child, it means not giving in to the child’s demands or reacting emotionally to the child’s behaviour.

It’s important to stay calm, and if the child is not in danger, it’s best to remove yourself from the situation, wait for the tantrum to end, and then offer comfort and reassurance when the child is calm.

It’s also important to note that ignoring a tantrum is not the only approach and it may not work for every child. It’s important to evaluate if the child’s tantrum is age-appropriate and if it is excessive or dangerous, it’s important to seek professional help.

How To Stop Tantrums In 2 Year Old?

There are several strategies that parents can use to help stop tantrums in 2-year-old children. Here are a few:

1. Set Clear Boundaries And Rules:

Setting clear boundaries and rules can help children understand what is expected of them and can reduce the likelihood of tantrums. This includes setting clear limits on what the child can and cannot do, such as what toys they can play with, what foods they can eat, and what activities they can participate in.

It’s important to communicate the rules clearly and consistently and to be consistent in enforcing them. This can help the child understand what is expected of them and can reduce the likelihood of confusion or misinterpretation.

It’s also important to make sure that the rules are age-appropriate and that the child can understand and follow them.

When enforcing rules, it’s important to use positive language and to focus on the behaviour, not the child. Avoid using phrases like “you’re a bad boy/girl”, instead, express the rule, “we don’t hit people” or “we don’t throw things”

It’s also important to explain the reasons behind the rules and why they are important, this will help the child understand the consequences of their actions and be more willing to comply.

It’s important to remember that children at this age are still learning and developing, so it’s important to be patient and understanding and to remember that tantrums are a normal part of child development.

2. Redirect The Child’s Attention:

Redirecting a child’s attention when they start to have a tantrum can be an effective strategy for managing the behaviour. This involves distracting the child with a different activity or toy when they begin to have a tantrum. This can help the child focus on something else and can reduce the intensity of the tantrum.

Here are a few examples of how to redirect a child’s attention:

• Offer a choice of toys or activities: Give the child a choice of two or three different toys or activities that they can play with. This can help the child feel more in control and can reduce the likelihood of a tantrum.
• Use humour: Try to make the child laugh by telling a silly joke or making a silly face. This can help the child relax and can reduce the intensity of the tantrum.
• Use praise and positive reinforcement: When the child is calm, give them positive feedback and rewards for good behaviour. This can help the child learn that good behaviour is rewarded and can reduce the likelihood of future tantrums.
• Take the child outside: Going for a walk or playing outside can be a great way to redirect a child’s attention and can help the child release energy.

It’s important to note that redirecting a child’s attention may not work every time, and it’s important to have a variety of strategies for managing tantrums.

3. Stay Calm: 

Staying calm when a child is having a tantrum is an important strategy for managing the behaviour. When a parent becomes angry or upset, it can escalate the situation and make the tantrum worse.

Here are a few tips for staying calm during a tantrum:

• Take a deep breath: Before reacting, take a deep breath and try to remain calm. This can help you think more clearly and can prevent you from escalating the situation.
• Use a soft tone of voice: Speak in a soft and soothing tone of voice. This can help the child feel calmer and can reduce the intensity of the tantrum.
• Avoid physical contact: Try to avoid physical contact with the child during the tantrum. This can prevent the child from becoming more agitated and can help the situation de-escalate.
• Remove yourself from the situation: If the tantrum is not dangerous and you feel that you can’t stay calm, remove yourself from the situation and wait for the tantrum to end before offering comfort and reassurance.
• Take a break: If you feel yourself getting upset, take a break. This can help you regain your composure and can prevent you from escalating the situation.

It’s important to note that staying calm can be difficult, especially when dealing with a child who is having a tantrum. But with practice and patience, it is possible to stay calm during a tantrum and to manage the behaviour effectively.

4. Use Positive Reinforcement:

Using positive reinforcement is a strategy that can be effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of tantrums. Positive reinforcement involves giving the child praise or rewards for good behaviour, which can help the child learn that good behaviour is rewarded.

Here are a few examples of how to use positive reinforcement:

• Give praise: When the child is calm and behaving well, give them praise and tell them how proud you are of them. This can help the child feel good about themselves and can encourage them to continue the good behaviour.
• Give rewards: Give the child a small reward, such as a sticker or a piece of candy, when they have good behaviour. This can help the child learn that good behaviour is rewarded and can reduce the likelihood of future tantrums.
• Give choices: Give the child a choice of two or three different activities or toys. This can help the child feel more in control and can reduce the likelihood of a tantrum.
• Use Social praise: Praise the child in front of others, such as grandparents or friends. This can help the child feel good about themselves and can encourage them to continue the good behaviour.

It’s important to note that rewards should be age-appropriate and should be used in moderation. Overusing rewards can make the child dependent on them and can make them less effective.

5. Be Consistent:

Being consistent is an important strategy for managing tantrums in 2-year-old children. Consistency involves using the same strategies and enforcing the same rules consistently. This can help the child understand what to expect and can reduce the likelihood of confusion or misinterpretation.

Here are a few tips for being consistent:

• Use the same strategies: Use the same strategies consistently to manage tantrums. This can help the child learn what to expect and can reduce the likelihood of future tantrums.
• Be consistent with rules: Be consistent with enforcing rules and setting boundaries. This can help the child understand what is expected of them and can reduce the likelihood of confusion or misinterpretation.
• Be consistent with rewards: Use rewards consistently, so the child knows what to expect and can learn that good behaviour is rewarded.
• Be consistent with discipline: Use discipline consistently, so the child knows what to expect and can learn that bad behaviour has consequences.
• Communicate with caregivers: If the child is cared for by multiple caregivers, make sure that everyone is using the same strategies and enforcing the same rules consistently.

It’s important to note that being consistent does not mean being rigid, it’s important to be flexible and adapt to the child’s needs and development.

6. Identify Triggers:

Identifying triggers that lead to tantrums can be an effective strategy for managing the behaviour. Triggers can be different for each child, but some common triggers include hunger, fatigue, stress, and anxiety.

Here are a few tips for identifying triggers:

• Keep a journal: Keep a journal of the child’s behaviour and the circumstances surrounding each tantrum. This can help you identify patterns and common triggers.
• Observe the child: Observe the child’s behaviour and try to identify patterns. Pay attention to what the child is doing or saying just before the tantrum starts.
• Talk to the child: Try to talk to the child about the tantrum and ask them what made them upset. This can help you understand their perspective and can help you identify triggers.
• Consult with a professional: Consult with a pediatrician or a child development specialist if you are having trouble identifying triggers. They can help you understand the child’s behaviour and can offer guidance on how to manage the tantrums.
• Evaluate the child’s environment: Triggers can be external as well, such as the child’s environment, evaluate if the child is feeling too overwhelmed by noise, lights, or too many people.

Once you have identified the triggers, you can take steps to avoid them or manage them more effectively

7. Seek Professional Help:

Seeking professional help can be an important step in managing tantrums in 2-year-old children, especially if the tantrums are excessive or dangerous. A pediatrician or a child development specialist can help you understand the child’s behaviour and can offer guidance on how to manage the tantrums.

Here are a few reasons why it may be helpful to seek professional help:

• The child’s tantrums are excessive: If the child is having tantrums regularly, or if the tantrums are lasting for an extended period, it may be helpful to seek professional help.
• The child’s tantrums are dangerous: If the child is engaging in dangerous behaviour during a tantrum, such as hitting, biting, or throwing things, it may be helpful to seek professional help.
• The child has other issues: If the child has other issues such as autism, ADHD, or developmental delays, it may be helpful to seek professional help to understand how these issues are impacting the child’s behaviour and to find appropriate strategies for managing the tantrums.
• You need support: Being a parent of a child with tantrums can be difficult and can be stressful, but seeking professional help can give you the support and guidance you need to manage the tantrums effectively.

A professional can help to identify the underlying causes of the tantrums, provide an assessment and diagnosis, and offer guidance on how to manage the tantrums effectively. They may also suggest therapy, counselling or other treatments to help manage the child’s behaviour.

It’s important to remember that seeking professional help is not a sign of failure as a parent, it’s a sign that you care about your child’s well-being and want to find the best way to help them.

Keep in mind that no two children are the same, and what works for one child might not work for another. Finding the method that works best for your child may take some time, but with perseverance and consistency, you can lessen the frequency and severity of tantrums.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tantrums are a common behaviour in 2-year-old children and can happen for a variety of reasons. There are several strategies that parents can use to help stop tantrums, including setting clear boundaries and rules, redirecting the child’s attention, staying calm, using positive reinforcement, being consistent and identifying triggers.

However, every child is different, and what works for one child may not work for another. It may take time to find the best approach for your child.

It’s important to remember that tantrums are a normal part of child development and that children at this age are still learning and developing. Parents should be patient and understanding, and not take the tantrums personally.

If the tantrums are excessive or dangerous, it may be a good idea to seek help from a pediatrician or a child development specialist. They can provide an assessment and diagnosis, and offer guidance on how to manage the tantrums effectively.

Seeking professional help is not a sign of failure as a parent, it’s a sign that you care about your child’s well-being and want to find the best way to help them.

For additional readings and to widen your perspective, read on how to stop tantrums in 2 year old.