How do you handle toddler tantrums?

DS had his first full blown tantrum today. He kept trying to get under the kitchen sink where we keep toxic cleaning supplies. He was obsessed and kept wanting to go back. He was kicking, screaming, the whole nine yards.

I tried distracting him but he wasnt having it. Eventually he calmed down when I offered him apples. I'm exhausted.

Re: How do you handle toddler tantrums?

I try to ignore them, especially if they happen at home. I've learned that getting worked up about them isn't worth the stress and aggravation. I just make sure she is safe and can't hurt herself.

Re: How do you handle toddler tantrums?

Re: How do you handle toddler tantrums?

Re: How do you handle toddler tantrums?

Totally ignore him and make sure he isn't going to hurt himself. There is no reasoning with a toddler

Re: How do you handle toddler tantrums?

I do what Johnsae does. But in the case where essentially he wants to be ignored so he can do something unsafe I put him in his pack n play or crib.

Re: How do you handle toddler tantrums?

ignore!

Re: How do you handle toddler tantrums?

I ignore for the most part.

However, can i just say that you probably should have a lock on that cabinet if you can. Plus that will avoid the tantrums right there (for this situation of course ).

Re: How do you handle toddler tantrums?

Ignore them. In your case, I would have physically removed him from the room and let him tantrum somewhere else.

FYI- soothing or giving items to disract are actually seen as reinforcers to a toddler.

Re: How do you handle toddler tantrums?

I had to completely reorganize my cabinets b/c DD looooves to rifle through them. The cleaning supplies that used to be under the sink are now way up high and that sink has little plastic bowls and things like that so she can play with them. I feel like you kind of have to trick toddlers into behaving. Be one step ahead. My DD rediscovered this leapfrog cell phone last night and the second she put it down, I hid it underneath a pile of clothes in my dresser. No way was I going to listen to "Hola! Me llamo Tad!" Ring. Ring. "Hello? My name is Tad! What's your name?" 475638563785673 times and have her scream until she gets it back!

Re: How do you handle toddler tantrums?

IGNORE and walk away.

However, put a lock on that cabinet. You can'twalk away when there is something dangerous for them to get into.

Re: How do you handle toddler tantrums?

Re: How do you handle toddler tantrums?

We try to distract or ignore most of the time. Sometimes it helps if I get on his level and say "I know it's hard to not do what you want..." or something like that. Sometimes that calms him a little, sometimes not.

And definitely try and stay calm. If you feel you are getting edgy, walk away. If he follows you (DS does this a lot), I leave him alone in a safe place until he calms down.

Re: How do you handle toddler tantrums?

I walk away once I know she's not in danger. Usually she will follow after me and calm down almost immediately.

Re: How do you handle toddler tantrums?

I pretty much ignored them. I stepped over the kicking & screaming child. If it was going on too long, I would say "Are you done? Do you need hug?"

Re: How do you handle toddler tantrums?

I try to ignore them.

Re: How do you handle toddler tantrums?

I have gotten really good at ignoring them. I'll occasionally try to make short statements if I think the tantrum is due to lack of ability to communicate/understand

Re: How do you handle toddler tantrums?

Posted by aliwnec10

I ignore for the most part.

However, can i just say that you probably should have a lock on that cabinet if you can. Plus that will avoid the tantrums right there (for this situation of course ).

Re: How do you handle toddler tantrums?

Mostly by distraction but I have just picked him up and moved him away or given him a time out.

Re: How do you handle toddler tantrums?