Tantrums; this word implies such a lot to so many people that I think you can write a book on different approaches on dealing with them. Not to mention discussions on the quality of the tantrum and the responses received. Let’s look at a couple of these…
This holiday we went to the Iziko Museum in Gardens, Cape Town it is really a tremendously exciting place to take any kid, and our group of children ranged in ages 23 months to 17 years, skipping years here and there. We had spent a good 2 hours in the museum with the children running and watching and touching and playing wherever possible and marvelling at the animals and the whale chamber, posing for photos in the jaws of a shark. Mia was getting visible tired, and I wanted to get her into the garden where we would hook up with the rest of the crowd in a couple of minutes. Hubby decided to force walk her out of the museum, or something in the likes, which obviously ensued and ended in a mayor tantrum. Mia flung herself on the floor screaming whilst flailing arm and legs and head explained exactly her frustration at being so mistreated. Tourists from around the world stopped and stared. Hubby decided this was a photo op and videotaped a couple of seconds, which felt like minutes to. After she calmed down we continued the tour with Hubby a safe distance from her.
What was the lesson?
– Do NOT force walk her out of a building?
– If she creates a scene; make the most of it?
– Make sure you have an exit strategy?
– Treat your child the way you would like to be treated?
Maybe all or any of these; regardless of what you take from this story tantrums are a part of life and dealing with it will determine how much of a hold it would have on your parenting style.
Tantrums are a common part of a child’s developmental journey, especially as they begin to navigate their emotions. These outbursts, while often frustrating for parents, are a natural stage that all toddlers go through as they struggle to express feelings and desires that they may not yet have the language skills to communicate. Some parents have shared hilarious and relatable stories of their toddlers’ tantrums, highlighting how irrational these episodes can sometimes seem:
One toddler had a meltdown because their shadow didn’t have a mouth.
Another lost it because they weren’t allowed to have jam on both sides of the toast, and then again because their fingers got sticky after eating it.
A child wanted the dog to drive them to preschool, and was inconsolable when it didn’t happen.
These funny moments help remind us that tantrums, while exhausting, are a normal part of development as toddlers learn to understand and manage their emotions.
Insights into Tantrums and Developmental Milestones
Tantrums usually peak during the “terrible twos” but can persist until age 4. They’re a reflection of toddlers’ growing independence and frustration at not always being able to achieve what they want. Common triggers include hunger, tiredness, and frustration. While tantrums are often related to a child’s inability to communicate feelings, they are also key developmental milestones as children gradually learn to regulate emotions and manage frustrations.
How to Handle Tantrums
Stay Calm: Reacting with anger often escalates the situation. Staying calm shows the child how to manage emotions.
Acknowledge Their Feelings: Validating their emotions by saying things like, “I know you’re upset because you can’t have that toy,” helps them feel heard.
Distraction: Sometimes, a tantrum can be diverted by shifting attention to something else.
Set Clear Boundaries: It’s important to maintain consistent rules, so children learn about limits.
Teach Emotion Regulation: Over time, help your child label emotions and use words to express feelings rather than having a tantrum.
For more light-hearted stories and tips on handling tantrums, check out humorous parent experiences on platforms like Mumslounge or Defused.
Regardless of how you view tantrums they are a part of parenting, and depending on how you deal with them they will either rule your life, or just be a way for your toddler to blow off some steam, if they are unable to deal with their emotions in another way.
