Managing toddler tantrums

Have you ever judged a mother who is trying to calm down a toddler throwing a tantrum in a supermarket? You most likely don't have a toddler yet or it has been a while since you have dealt with one.

Tantrums are very common with toddlers and can happen anywhere and anytime until they learn how to express their feelings and find ways of dealing with their frustrations. Toddlers can throw tantrums for various reasons and knowing the triggers can help you manage without losing your sanity.

• Identify and avoid tantrum triggers. Children are irritable when they are sleepy/tired, hungry or overstimulated. Birthday parties, supermarkets, noisy places are also common culprits. Make sure that they are sated and have had their naps before heading out to public places.

• Stay calm. Your reaction to their tantrum predicts how the episode goes. Walk away if you have to, but don't get into a shouting match with them.

• Wait it out. Let them finish their tantrum but make sure that they won't hurt themselves. If you are in a public place, ignore the judgmental looks and try your best to gently deal with your toddler.

• Be consistent. When the episode is over, explain to them that throwing fits isn't the way to deal with frustrations. Don't laugh at them or give in to their demands when they throw tantrums.

• Discipline bad behaviour and encourage good behavior. Once they are calm enough, you can use your own way of disciplining them to let them know what they did was wrong. And that bad behavior has consequences. Also reward them every time they effectively manage their emotions.