Tantrums

I follow Biglittlefeelings on instagram and scroll their posts when I need support, haha

It depends what the tantrums for, but usually try to soothe them and meet their need- hungry, tired, overstimulated?; remind myself they are young and still learning and not to be embarrassed. And then practice whatever it is at a later time, like learning no they can’t have the toy, or I can’t pick them up while I’m driving. You got this mama!

I make sure I truly listen to them. Parents often think they’re understanding what your child is saying but they’re not actually trying to truly understand. And they often get frustrated when they’re not being understood. If it’s in public I do everything the same. I hold her close to me and talk in a calm voice and as what she needs. Sometimes taking her out to a calm environment like going outside where it’s less stimulating and talking about her needs there might work better. Is there a topic your child usually gets most frustrated about?

@Alex it mainly when he can’t touch something he’s not supposed, I try to give him an alternative and explain that isn’t a kid toy. But he blows up and get upset and yells and cry’s because he wants that instead

I spoke to a therapist and she said that it’s also important for children to learn to express all emotions, so in other words sometimes they just need to cry and yell and there is nothing wrong about it. In that moment your job is talk about emotions and say „are you feeling angry? Are you feeling sad?” „What made you sad? The fact you couldn’t touch the thing?” And apparently this is supposed to teach them how to manage their own feelings

I have started timeouts. So far it seems to work but it's just the beginning of the terrible 2s.

I haven’t seen “timeouts” recommended by any of the parenting or child experts I consider “current”. Socially isolating, or punishing, our kids when they have emotions they aren’t able to manage may not be super productive. But I realize I don’t know the situation or what his behaviors actually are! Definitely look at Biglittlefeelings on instagram! They have tons of free advice, and have a course about getting through the toddler years you can purchase.

I definitely will NOT look into some IG page.

Get on their level (physically) and... 1. Identify the feeling i.e. "you're crying, kicking, and screaming, I can see you're feeling mad" 2. Validate the feeling i.e. "it's okay to feel angry" and you can set an expectation here too "but I can't let you hurt yourself/me/etc" 3. Offer help i.e. "Let it out, breathe with me" or "how can I help?" or put your arms out for a hug and let them come to you if they want... Look into "co-regulation" ❤️