If you have ever visited a friend’s house only to find their toddler throwing a mad tantrum while running around the dining room set, you probably thought to yourself, never will my child. Well, here is a reality check: tantrums are a normal part of growing pains. Toddlers have breakdowns, or tantrums, because of a buildup of stressful situations.

Stressful situations in a toddler’s case could be not being able to get the cookie, too much attention given to the sibling, or other things of this nature. As a parent, when you learn that these tantrums are nothing personal and only a reaction to a chain of events, you can learn to cope with them better. So the next time your toddler tares the king quilt off your bed, put the tantrum in perspective.

As your toddler grows, he/she will need challenges in order for their mind to develop. However, sometimes challenges can turn into frustrations. Try to be present when your toddler is tackling a tough problem. For instance, you can help your toddler with the game, puzzle or toy if you see that he/she is struggling to hard.

Avoid instances of running along round dining room sets by your toddler by recognizing the precursors of a tantrum. When does your toddler throw a tantrum? Is there a particular time or setting when tantrums occur? Maybe when you are giving more attention to a younger sibling, or when you are busy in the kitchen?

Figuring out what triggers tantrums can help you learn how to prevent them. For instance, if you notice that long shopping trips wear your child out, prepare shorter trips. Keep healthy snacks and water on hand. This can help sooth a child, but avoid giving snacks as a reward for bad behavior. Give a snack before your toddler is overwhelmed and about to throw a tantrum as a preventative measure.

Speaking of snacks, make sure to keep track of what you are feeding your child. Snacks that are high in sugar, caffeine or preservatives can agitate your child. This can lead to mood swings, and of course, tantrums.

Pay attention to your toddler when they want to rant. Put yourself in their tiny shoes. Imagine getting ignored when you wanted to say something important to someone special to you. You would probably feel hurt and frustrated. This is what your child goes through when you do not listen to what they have to say when they are upset.

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