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Need an Effective Way to Handle Toddler Tantrums?
http://www.HealthNutMom.com
Today at the mall, a little girl really raised the roof. She kicked, screamed, ran away and nearly ran out the door.
As a parent with my own three girls in tow, I really felt for the girl's mom. She was young, and it was clear that she had no idea what to do as the behavior unfolded.
Me? I just raised my eyebrows at my girls (ages 9, 3, and 2). They all looked on in astonishment. My youngest almost dropped her popsicle, she was so surprised that someone would behave this way.
My oldest smiled and said, "Mom, we'd never dream of doing that."
You bet they wouldn't. You know why? Because mom knows what to do, and because it works. Let me share with you how to "triage" a tantrum.
A tantrum can bring even the most competent parent to her knees in a matter of seconds. If your child is prone to tantrums, immediately ask yourself these questions so you know how to proceed:
1) Is he hungry? A couple of crackers and cheese may clear up 90% of the problem.
2) Is this a reaction to food? If he recently ate, consider whether this is a reaction to a food (such as a preservative). Remember that too much sugar (or carbohydrates that quickly turn into sugar in the bloodstream) can create headaches, wild behavior, and grumpiness. Try offering some milk or water and another snack that you know is "safe" and wait it out.
3) Is he too tired? Remember, his legs are 1/4 as long as yours -- and he moves twice as fast! Sometimes a toddler just needs some extra sleep. Being tired and cranky leads to tantrums (in all of us).
4) Are you rushing? Transitioning from one activity to another is a major developmental milestone for a toddler. Problems often arise during the transition, when little people are too rushed. If this happens, stop, sit for a little bit, and once the storm has passed you can both go on.
The five or ten minutes you use to triage the tantrum may save your whole day!
Being a parent is the hardest job ever invented. You owe it to yourself to have a really effective way to handle toddler tantrums and child discipline -- something you can use anywhere, anytime.
Think about it... once you know how to "triage" a tantrum, you won't have to be embarrassed in the mall or school parking lot ever again!
Article submitted Tuesday, August 05, 2008 & read 63 times.
Liz McGowen is a full-time mother of three who writes about raising toddlers. If you liked this article please stop by to visit her blog and website at http://www.HealthNutMom.com.
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