Tantrums in a two-year-old child

Tantrums in two-year-olds are quite normal

There is hardly a couple of parents who do not have to struggle with outbursts of anger and rage from their little one. These tantrums are often sudden and intense, but usually pass as quickly as they came. They are often an expression of frustration – your child already understands most of what is being said around him, but he still lacks the verbal skills to express what he wants. This helplessness is then vented by screaming, crying, kicking and hitting.

It’s okay to be angry

It’s okay for your child to be angry once in a while. Do not forbid your child to vent their anger. It should express its emotions and not swallow them down. Because that doesn’t help anyone. But it’s wrong to take your anger out on others. Many young children scream, hit, kick, or hold their breath until they turn blue to express their anger. Show your child that there are other ways to express themselves.

What can you do when your two-year-old is throwing tantrums?

• Always plan well ahead: tell your child where you are going or what is going to happen next. Don’t surprise your child with your plans. When your child knows what to expect and is prepared for what’s to come, they’re much less likely to get angry and freak out.
• Take your child aside: If your child gets angry in public, for example in a restaurant or on a playground, take them aside and explain that you won’t go back until they calm down or that they can’t play again until they calm down Has.
• Remain calm and matter-of-fact: Ignore your little offspring’s behavior. Even if that can sometimes be difficult, especially in public. Stay calm and talk calmly and quietly to your child when it’s raging again. That calms the anger. Don’t respond by yelling or hitting. This only confirms your child’s anger and makes the situation even worse.
• Take a deep breath: If you get angry about your child’s behavior, take three deep breaths, slowly count to ten or leave the room if necessary. This will help you get your own anger under control again. Is that difficult for you? In our article “The 9 best parenting guides” you will find many useful recommendations on parenting issues.
• Respond quickly: You can also try to prevent your child from throwing tantrums. For example, if your child becomes aggressive when they are hungry, make sure you always have a small snack with you when you are out.
• Don’t let your child win: You are the adult and you decide! If your child wants something, it should ask and not scream and hit. Don’t back down just because you’re embarrassed by your child’s public outburst.
• Ignore: Your child needs to learn that yelling and hitting won’t get them anywhere. If you ask sensibly, you will get what you want. If not, then don’t respond to your child’s tantrum. It will then calm down on its own. You have two options: Either you simply ignore your child until it has calmed down again. Don’t talk to him and ignore it. Or you just ignore the tantrum, don’t respond to it at all and distract your child. Just talk about something completely different, tell him something, then sometimes he forgets why he was so angry.
• Give him time to calm down: You can also leave your child alone in a room for a while. It is best to choose an uninteresting room for this. So the children’s room would not be the right place. A few minutes alone in an empty, uninteresting room can help your child calm down. Explain to your child that you will not be willing to negotiate further until they have calmed down.
• Let your child let off steam: For example, they can tear up an old magazine, punch on a soft pillow or let off steam with sports in the fresh air.
• Talk to your child: It is important that you take a close look at why your child is getting so angry. Talk to him about it in a quiet moment and not immediately after the tantrum. Try to get your child involved in an activity again.
• Give your child alternatives: At the age of two, your child will develop “I-awareness”. It has recognized that it is an independent person and wants to make its own decisions and live out its independence. Give your child alternatives so that they can decide for themselves what to do. For example, instead of asking your child to eat the apple, you can let them decide whether they would rather have a piece of apple or a banana.
• If your child has intense tantrums several times a day and does not respond to your compromises, it is better to seek professional help !