5 Tips to Help with Toddler Tantrums

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This post is made possible in collaboration with Tender Nest Portraits. 

Anybody else experiencing the “Terrible Two’s?” Or is it just me? I think I had forgotten what this stage is really like since I had Bryce. Brynnie just turned two, and is living in a whole other world of exploration and independence, and yes, she is the queen of the “Terrible Two’s!”

As a parent this stage can really test our patience. But just remember, kids are humans, and just like us, they need to be treated with love, respect and understanding. They need to feel that their thoughts and opinions are valued and considered. They need physical contact and opportunities for growth without being told “no” all the time. They need to feel like they belong and have their basic needs met, like enough sleep and food. Today I am sharing 5 Tips to Help with Toddler Tantrums that I have used and have worked for us.

1. Spend quality time with your child

The more quality time you spend with your toddler, the less likely he or she will try to get your attention by screaming, or rolling on the floor at the store. Brynnie and I spend at least 1 hour if not more daily, playing hide-and-seek, dancing, going to the park, coloring, and cooking together.

Toddlers will follow your lead. What Mommy does, Brynnie follows. One of her favorite things to do in the morning is help me make her NESTLÉ® NIDO® 1+milk by mixing 4 scoops of powder with water.

NIDO 1+ milk contains vitamins and minerals which help support healthy growth and development and has a delicious honey taste kids love. This is the same milk that my mom used with me as a supplement with breastfeeding and throughout my toddler years, when we were in Central America. Growing up Hispanic, means trusting a brand like NIDO. My mom, my tias, me, and now my baby can drink this delicious milk that has been a passed down tradition in my culture.

 

Making this milk is Brynnie’s favorite because she is a busy body. She needs to have her hands on something always! She loves to “mix mix mix” and “I make it” Mami! That’s one thing, allow your toddler to make a mess and teach them to clean up later. Toddlerhood is supposed to be messy, otherwise you are taking the fun out of their exploration.

2. Plan Ahead

If you are going to go out or to the grocery store, make sure you talk to your toddler and tell them what to expect. Brynnie loves to take her babies everywhere. We pack the babies, the backpack with plenty of snacks, diapers, wipes, and at least 2 outfit changes.

Planning ahead means knowing what is or isn’t reasonable for a toddler. If she has not napped and you know that will cause her to be cranky, don’t go to the store for a two hour shopping trip.

With technology now a days, there are so many ways to plan ahead. I usually purchase our NIDO milk through Walmart Grocery Pick-Up. The convenience of not having to get out of the car is HUGE when you have young kids.

The process is simple. You order online, and your online grocery pick up order is delivered right to your car! So heavenly when Brynnie falls asleep in the car. They email you when your order is ready, you check in with the app, and they bring the order to you! Make sure to check out a  Walmart Grocery Pick-Up near you and its convenience!

3. Limit the time saying “No”

Trust me, you don’t need to say “no” to your toddler all the time. Limit saying “no” to serious or dangerous situations. This is something I have learned over the years as an early childhood educator and mother. Kids need to be told the reason why you don’t want them to do that activity.

For example, instead of saying “no” so fast, I have said: “Wow! Brynn! You took out all the Tupperware and their lids! Wow Mama! Now, let’s PLAY CLEAN UP!” (Even though inside I’m thinking I just washed, cleaned, and put those away for the 18th time this week!!!) And so we sing: “CLEAN UP, CLEAN UP, everybody everywhere. CLEAN UP, CLEAN UP, everybody do your SHARE!” This is seriously her favorite song, aside from “Twinkle Twinkle.” Kids find play and singing fun. Making clean up time fun motivates them to do it, and saves you grace of getting so frustrated.

4. Stay Calm and Provide Comfort

Stay Calm, you have a Toddler! This speaks for itself, but as we know, tantrums are far from staying calm. Take a deep breath, or two, and come to the situation when you are not boiled up. If you are mad and frustrated and start speaking your mind, your toddler will sense that and will not follow your lead or do what is being asked.

Staying calm and being able to control yourself is the most important thing to do when your child is having a tantrum. Remember they are only little once, and 5 years from now, you might just maybe miss this stage in their little world. Everything is temporary, and this too shall pass if you stay calm.

5. Be firm and consistent

Being firm doesn’t mean raising your voice or being physical. I have always believed in the power of words with children. As an educator, disciplinarian, and mother, I am firm and consistent by following a schedule, routines, and not giving in to what they want. Again, you are in control.

Even though the process might be long and painful and you might feel bad for your poor crying baby,  you are building the foundation for a much easier child and teenager. If you’re not consistent now, your child will constantly be testing you in later years.

I don’t want to imagine Brynnie as a teenager, so for now, I am embracing our Toddler Two’s by spending all the time we can, planning ahead, limiting “no,” staying calm and providing comfort, and being firm and consistent.

Remember that a mom’s love makes all the difference! Imagine what they could do with NIDO.

I hope you have found these tips helpful!

Have you used NIDO before? If not, will you give it a try?

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