Toddlers and Their Challenging Behaviours: How to Handle Them

After a child turns two he starts understanding that he is a separate individual. After realizing this, he would start to show his likes and dislikes and want to do only the things he would prefer doing. Toddlers are also developing their language skills, which helps them express their feelings, wants and ideas in a better way. As a matter of fact, toddlers want what they want and when they want. However, this is the time when you should not overlook unacceptable activities and teach your child the right way to express.

Why do toddlers have meltdowns?

Toddlers go through a challenging phase of their lives learning to handle different and difficult feelings. Parents and caregivers should help them navigate through the strong feelings they are experiencing. Feelings like pride, embarrassment, shame and guilt are completely new for a toddler. 

A toddler has a meltdown when:

·         You do not understand his message

·         May say no when he means yes (still learning)

·         Do not settle for alternatives normally

·         Gets angry sometimes and throws whatever he has in hand

·         Tries to ask help or get your attention with words or action he can use

·         Talks to himself when frightened or frustrated

 

So, when you see any unusual behaviour, you must understand that there the toddler is struggling to express his actual feelings. What you need to do is show him a constructive way to handle emotions.

Tips to help toddlers learn the important skill

Talk to your toddler

Just because your child is very young and cannot convey his message clearly, does not mean that he will not understand what you say. Read books and enact the feelings expressed for the characters in the book. Once your child will know and recognize his feelings, he will be able to gain control and communicate better.

Show the child how to manage strong emotions

This might be little hard and take some time, but once your child understands that there are many healthy and non-hurtful ways to express feelings, he will figure out to deal with big feelings.

Show your understanding to your child

When you have to make your child stop doing his work of interest, you need to tell him everything related to it. This will make him understand your message because he is able to see that you know what he wants to do at that moment.

Show your child the reality to make things easier

For example, if your child needs to wait till his food gets cooled, show him the steam coming out of the food and express how it will feel if we ate hot food.

Allow your child to take age-appropriate decisions

Let your toddler choose the t-shirt he wants to wear or play the game he wants to play. This will give him a feeling of control and support his growing confidence.

Help toddler practice self-control

There are many times daily that you would get a chance to do that. Make use of turn taking games to teach sharing and waiting.