Are you suffering from a case of the terrible twos or the tantrum threes? Does your toddler constantly seem to show disregard for any discipline and good behavior? Are you worried your toddler’s behavior could be a cause for embarrassment?
If you are worried about how to curb those worrisome behaviors in your toddler, a quick parenting recap may help. Read on to know how you can solve some of the most common toddler behavior problems.
How To Solve My Toddler’s Behavior Problems?
As a normal part of growing up, your toddler will show different kinds of behavior issues. These may or may not be the same as what your toddler’s friends may be going through. However, it is important to remember that every toddler has a unique way of expressing himself.
Most of these behaviors that your toddler exhibits now will be temporary in nature and will go off with age. But that does not mean you can let your toddler continue with unacceptable behavior. As a parent, you need to teach your toddler that there are certain rules that need to be followed. Behaving in a certain way is one such rule. If behavior issues are not solved at this age, they may turn into a lifelong habit.
Here are a few ways you can solve some of the most common behavior problems in toddlers:
1. Handling Your Toddler’s Temper Tantrum:
At this age, your toddler is on a roller coaster of emotions. One moment you may be in parental bliss and the next may see your toddler throwing that dreaded temper tantrum. Your toddler may be screaming, crying or whimpering at a possibly non-existent issue. This is most common between the ages of one and three. At this age, your toddler can understand what you are saying, but still finds it difficult to properly express himself. This can lead to frustration and hence the tantrum.
How To Deal With It:
Stay cool. Remember, your toddler is already having a tantrum fit, so it won’t help if you throw a fit too. In fact, your raising your voice or trying to force your toddler to stop will most likely have the opposite effect. Just be around your toddler. Sit down at your toddler’s level and gently hold out your hand. You can gently pick up your toddler in a comforting embrace. Stroke your toddler’s back and tell him that you love him and everything will be okay.
2. Handling Your Toddler’s Kicking And Biting:
Your two to three your old may be showing these aggressive signs. Worry not, as these too shall pass. Sometimes, your toddler may be doing this just to get your instant attention. If you respond each time, this may turn into a habit.
How To Deal With Behavior Problems In Toddlers:
Your toddler needs to understand that his actions will have repercussions. If your toddler is kicking and biting, do not shout. Instead, take away certain privileges, like playing with a favorite toy or watching a favorite cartoon show. Explain to your toddler why you are taking away these privileges. Alternatively, you can put a two to three minute time out on your toddler. Let your toddler sit down quietly for these minutes, without doing anything or speaking to anyone. Explain why you did this and how your toddler can avoid this time out the next time.
3. Handling Your Toddler’s Screaming:
Your toddler is full of energy and this is one of the main reasons why his volume is mostly so high. Screaming is not always a means of shouting out or showing anger. Sometimes, your toddler just doesn’t know that this is wrong. The sound of his voice may be exciting to him. Or, he may love the fact that each time he shouts, you always turn to look at him and speak to him.
How To Deal With It:
Shouting back at your toddler to ask him to stop will not help. In fact, it may only worsen the situation, as your toddler may get the impression that it is okay to shout too. Ensure your toddler is well fed and well rested. If your toddler can understand, try and teach the difference between loud and soft. Shout with your toddler and tell him to shout out loud. Next, bring your voice down to soft spoken and tell your toddler to do the same. Next time your toddler shouts, remind him to start using his soft spoken voice. Make sure you are speaking softly too.
4. Handling Your Toddler Say ‘No’:
Isn’t it the word you used most with him too? Your toddler has recently discovered what fun it is to say ‘no.’ It gets your attention and it also means your toddler has a choice.
How To Deal With It:
Limit the damage by giving your toddler options to choose from that do not need a direct ‘no.’ Giving your toddler two to three options at this age are enough. Making your toddler feel a part of things will help him share his choice with you. You can always turn a simple situation into a game of choices. Something like ‘do you want to come out of the car now or do you want to sit for two more minutes and then come out?’ can be a simple way of getting things done.
Your toddler is the younger one here. So remember to be the grown up that you are and be an example to your toddler, at all times. Do not raise your voice in an already energy packed situation. Instead, help your toddler to calm down.
Remember, your toddler may not always know what a tantrum or shouting is. It may simply be a channelizing of his energy or a way to get your attention. Shower your toddler with love and constantly tell him how much you love and care.
Relax! Very soon, these phases will be over.
