Dealing with temper tantrums is one of the most trying aspects of parenting or care giving. It tests our patience and our ability to remain mature adults. I would not be being very honest if I said I had never engaged in an arguing match with my three year old or that I never tried to bribe him!
As parents we need to remember that we are not perfect either and we need to celebrate our successes with our children as they happen. Parenting is a learning process. As long as we continue to learn and better ourselves as parents, we are great parents.
We need to examine some of the things that bring on a temper tantrum. Lack of routine can spell disaster for the sensitive child. Things like missing a nap or being late for a meal can turn the sweetest of children into ornery little people we no longer recognize. Try to keep your child on a schedule and make sure their eating and sleeping needs are being met.
Sometimes there is stress and tension in the home. Even the smallest of babies can detect something amiss in the vibes of the home. Try to keep family arguments and loud discussions well out of the reach of your toddler. They will react with insecurity by lashing out.
Sometimes dealing with temper tantrums can be as easy as giving your child some extra attention. I'm not saying reward bad behavior with cuddles. I'm saying to take a hard look at how much one on one time you have been spending with your child. When is the last time the two of you shared a good board book or watched Barney together on the television? Make yourself available to your child on a daily basis for some one on one time with no interruptions.
Dealing with temper tantrums is going to be a lot easier if you take care of your own needs. You need to be nurtured and filled up in order to take care of your challenging toddler. Schedule some time away from the home for yourself by hiring a babysitter. Take vitamins and eat a healthful diet. Exercise as much as you can, even if it's just pushing your toddler around the neighborhood in a stroller or pulling them in a wagon.
Parenting takes an extraordinary amount of energy and patience. Take the best care of yourself not only physically, but mentally and spiritually as well. Stay up on the news and read good books. Get to church when you can. In other words, fill yourself up so you can continue to give.
Dealing with temper tantrums is a lesson in remembering that this behavior will not last forever. Children grow up so fast and before you know it, the issue of temper tantrums is long behind you. Have confidence in yourself and just try to be the best parent you can be.
If you have a child who often has terrible spats out in public, I know how you feel. I have felt the same emotions of struggling to deal with it all and the embarrassment it can cause. However, I found fantastic advice that completely changed the way I was dealing with temper tantrums and I have never looked back. Go to http://endtempertantrums.info to find out what I am on about.
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