5 Genius Tricks to Stop Toddler Tantrums and Keep Your Sanity

Being a mom is a full-time job, and as much as we love our little ones, there are moments when their tantrums can drive us up the wall. As parents, we’ve all been there – the screaming, the crying, the rolling on the floor, and the endless negotiation – all of which can make us want to pull our hair out. But don’t worry, mama, I’ve got you covered! Here are five tricks that have worked for me in stopping my toddler’s tantrums:

Image Credit: @wildlittlethingsphoto

• Stay Calm

  • It can be tough to keep your cool when your toddler is throwing a fit, but staying calm is the first step in handling the situation. Your child is looking to you for guidance, and if you’re anxious or angry, it will only escalate the situation. Take a deep breath and stay composed.

• Use Distractions

  • Distraction is a powerful tool when it comes to dealing with a toddler’s tantrum. A change of scenery, a new toy, or a fun activity can divert your child’s attention from whatever is causing the tantrum. For example, I often sing a song or dance with my toddler to get her mind off the issue at hand.

• Validate Their Feelings

  • Toddlers are still learning how to handle their emotions, and sometimes, all they need is to be heard and understood. Validating their feelings and acknowledging that they’re upset can make a huge difference in stopping their tantrum. For instance, you could say, “I understand that you’re upset because you can’t have that toy, but screaming and crying won’t make it better. Let’s find something else to play with.”

• Give Them Choices

  • Toddlers crave independence, and giving them choices can make them feel like they’re in control. Offer them two or three options to choose from, such as what snack to eat or which book to read, and let them make the decision. This can help distract them from their tantrum and give them a sense of empowerment.

• Positive Reinforcement

  • Positive reinforcement is a great way to encourage good behavior in toddlers. Praise and reward them when they’re behaving well, and remind them of their good behavior when they’re starting to throw a tantrum. For example, you could say, “I love how you’re playing so nicely with your toys. Let’s keep it up and have some fun together.”

Tantrums are a natural part of toddlerhood, but they don’t have to be a daily struggle. By staying calm, using distractions, validating their feelings, giving them choices, and offering positive reinforcement, you can stop a tantrum in its tracks. Remember, every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another, so it’s important to experiment and find what works best for you and your little one. What tricks have you tried to stop your toddler’s tantrum? Let me know in the comments below!