Toddlers don't need a good reason to flick the tantrum switch. They'll let rip anywhere, anytime. The bigger the audience, the better! Here are some tips to help you dodge those meltdown moments...
2. Pick your battles
Decide which issues are absolute musts - brushing teeth, being strapped into a car chair - don't budge on those.The rest of it? Be gloriously flexible. Does it really matter if her t-shirt clashes with her pants, or if she goes to daycare in her slippers? The short person in your life is at an age where they will argue with you for the fun of it. Don't get sucked in!
4. Find an animal
The soothing effect of a child-friendly pet cannot be under-estimated. Somewhere between the soft fur and tickly whiskers, your wound-up kid may just unravel to a puddle of happy compliance.
5. Medicine? Drink bubbles!
Most liquid medication can do with a good shake before being poured into a spoon. Shaking causes bubbles and these bubbles are your key to avoid being spraypainted in medicine that your toddler isn't keen on. Presenting your child with a spoon of 'bubbles' instead of 'medicine' can make all the difference in their wilingness to swallow.
6. Hairwashing: sorted
The easiest way to wash hair in a bath is to get your little one to lie back, and let you get on with it. The challenge is getting her there! Line up some toys on the bath rim behind your child's back. Bottles of shampoo will also do. When they are ready to have their hair washed, let them lie back on your hand and tell them to look at the goodies you've spread out behind them. While you are washing, ask questions. What can you see that is blue? What color is the frog? What is hiding behind the yellow bottle?
Your unconditional love and acceptance will help them navigate the stormy waters of those early years. When you look again, toddler tantrums will be nothing more than a memory.
1. Distraction
2. Pick your battles
Decide which issues are absolute musts - brushing teeth, being strapped into a car chair - don't budge on those.The rest of it? Be gloriously flexible. Does it really matter if her t-shirt clashes with her pants, or if she goes to daycare in her slippers? The short person in your life is at an age where they will argue with you for the fun of it. Don't get sucked in!
3. Get her wet
If it's winter, run a bath. Summer? Head outdoors to the nearest beach, river, pool, fountain... sprinkler. Water is magical in how quickly it settles grumpy small people. Even a large tub outside in the sun, with a variety of plastic cups and jugs will do the trick. Wetting feet and making footprints can also be quite exciting for a toddler who has never noticed their own tracks before.
4. Find an animal
The soothing effect of a child-friendly pet cannot be under-estimated. Somewhere between the soft fur and tickly whiskers, your wound-up kid may just unravel to a puddle of happy compliance.
5. Medicine? Drink bubbles!
Most liquid medication can do with a good shake before being poured into a spoon. Shaking causes bubbles and these bubbles are your key to avoid being spraypainted in medicine that your toddler isn't keen on. Presenting your child with a spoon of 'bubbles' instead of 'medicine' can make all the difference in their wilingness to swallow.
6. Hairwashing: sorted
The easiest way to wash hair in a bath is to get your little one to lie back, and let you get on with it. The challenge is getting her there! Line up some toys on the bath rim behind your child's back. Bottles of shampoo will also do. When they are ready to have their hair washed, let them lie back on your hand and tell them to look at the goodies you've spread out behind them. While you are washing, ask questions. What can you see that is blue? What color is the frog? What is hiding behind the yellow bottle?
7. Go Outside
8. Get moving
9. Let them help you
10. Enjoy their company
Your unconditional love and acceptance will help them navigate the stormy waters of those early years. When you look again, toddler tantrums will be nothing more than a memory.