As parents, we all have had our fair share of experience with the dreaded toddler tantrum. It can happen at any time and for no apparent reason. Your little angel suddenly becomes possessed by a furious entity that unleashes screams, tears, and flailing limbs. You try everything in your power to calm them down but nothing works. One moment they are happy as a bunny and the next, it's like their entire world has come crashing down.
In this article, we will delve into the mystery behind toddler tantrums so you can understand why your child is acting out and how to deal with it in a humorous tone because let's face it - life is too short not to laugh!
What Are Toddler Tantrums?
Toddler tantrums are an emotional overload which leaves young children unable to cope with feelings such as frustration, anger or sadness due to underdeveloped coping mechanisms. Toddlers use crying episodes or other negative behaviors – like screaming or hitting – as ways of communicating when those emotions become overwhelming.
When Do They Happen?
Tantrums usually occur between ages one-and-a-half till age four; often more frequently around two-year-old mark called “terrible twos”. Children are full of curiosity at these tender ages and they do not always communicate effectively about what they want from others either emotionally or verbally- leading aggression towards individuals who show barriers during their exploratory experiences.
Anger issues surface intensively within these years impacted by lack of language skills making communication almost impossible thus causing hormonal surges specifically regarding emotions associated with anxiety reinforced amygdala activation having a sympathetic stress response on top while cortisols weaken neuro-pathway connections making communication harder than ever (yeah..welcome to biology class folks!)
Why Do They Happen?
One thing is certain; every tantrum is different and unique to each child's individual circumstances. With that in mind, here are some common reasons behind toddler tantrums:
Overwhelming Emotions
Toddler tantrums usually happen when your little one experiences emotions they cannot handle at the time. While adults have had years of experience handling overwhelming feelings, toddlers’ communication skills haven't developed yet; this leaves them without appropriate mechanisms to process the overflow of emotions which leads up to intense outbursts.
Needing Independence
At times a toddler throwing a screaming fit for no reason might only be because they are striving towards building their independence! Parents must be there every step of the way through development milestones but also know when it's ok let junior spread their wings - allowing opportunities for proper self-expression.
Physical Needs
If you just rule out emotional factors as core problem without taking into account physical needs- then you should probably avoid parenthood altogether! Toddlers easily shift moods due hunger, thirst or fatigue among others like overstimulation from too much screen-time!
How Can You Handle Toddler Tantrums?
Fortunately, as tough times come around parenting toolkit renews with new requisites added: ear plugs, planning walks (or runs), or turning on some goofy tunes just so we can get away from horrific sore throats or punching bags that our munchkins turn into during those glorious minutes called “terrible twos”. So how do parents go about weathering these unspeakable rampages day-in and out?
Here are some top tips on what works:
- Stay Calm
- Be Patient
- Give Them A Hug
- Use Distractions Like Singing Or Story Time
Alright...some ‘pro-tips’, certainly worth repeating below- don’t forget 'em!!!: Breathe deeply before reacting. Speak calmly even if inside is boiling rage (oh, I know that feeling), Sit down and hug your child while being reassuring (when managed) Use diversions like a favorite toy, TV show or de-escalation through plain silliness!
Conclusion
Toddler tantrums may remain a mystery with varying reasons behind them but such experiences are an inherent part of parenthood. Each little one is different so every mini-meltdown requires assessment on-case-by-case basis even on days you honestly just want to run away from it all.
Remember future moms/dads, parenting requires endless patience along with knowing what's going on under the surface! If everyone involved can keep in mind that they’re not alone and make sure to work towards better self-expression/communication between family members including children – we can manage these explosions without losing our sanity at least!
So don't be afraid to try out best pro-tips and tricks above (especially distractions!), take deep breaths before reacting hastily during tense moments - because remember..parenthood only gotcha once life ever possible!