Though it may seem your toddler throws little tantrums and fits to aggravate or manipulate you or simply to be a “brat”, this is not the case. Tantrums are most common in kids from about one to three years old. This is because during this time language ability is limited. When your child becomes frustrated, he or she cannot just come out and say why he or she is angry or upset, as a result, that frustration builds and then explodes into a floor flopping, feet kicking, screeching fit even if short lived.

When your child throws a tantrum, remember not to cave in simply to make him or her stop. This will reinforce the behavior and he or she may begin doing it simply to get their way. The best ways to deal with a tantrum is to put the child somewhere he or she can be alone and calm down. A bedroom, a crib, the car anywhere away from what ever it is that frustrated the child in the first place.

Eventually your child will calm down, likely rather quickly actually. Once he or she has stopped throwing a tantrum, acknowledge that you understand. Talk about what upset your toddler with your toddler whether he or she can respond really or not. This also help the child learn that problems can be communicated with adults, and that help is just a word away.

If the tantrum was over an inability to do some action, it may also help to help your toddler do what ever that action was once he or she calms down. If for example the fit was over not being able to pick up a piece of food with a fork, assist the child in doing so and watch out for mounting frustration in the future. If the tantrum was over something, the child was not supposed to be doing, be sure you are very clear that it is a “no-no” this should be done when moving the child to a quiet place.

Always take note of what causes your toddler’s tantrums and make future moves to avoid or correct the frustration that caused them. As an example, a toddler who gets upset about untied shoelaces would benefit from shoes without laces. Tantrums are usually a short phase in a child’s life and can be avoided with planning.