Yes my toddler can be a nightmare, like all toddlers, and he is not the type of child who does things to make mummy happy. He rages against the system and is probably high up there as one of the most difficult toddlers at times.
His curiosity about the world amazes me and how he questions almost everything and anything, all whilst thinking deeply about it all. When you tell him why he wants to know why again, and again until he runs out of loopholes to find. As hard as it is, i am so glad he is mine!
When he’s having a full on meltdown I usually try out these 4 steps…
1. I come down to his level, eye to eye so if he is on the floor, i get on the floor.
2. Then I try to talk to him so he will listen, instead of telling him what not to do, i try to understand his feelings and his view on the situation. Instead of saying no i will explain why for example, “I understand you really want to help your daddy cook burgers on the BBQ outside but you can’t because the grill is hot and it could burn your fingers.” He often get more frustrated when he feels like i don’t understand him.
3. I then narrate his feelings so he learns how to express his emotions. For example, “I know you are feeling upset right now, that’s fine it’s OK to cry.”
4. keep calm (yes easier said than done!)
What’s your tips when dealing with a toddler meltdown?
I think everyone has a different way of parenting and that is fine! Whatever works for you and your child. My little boy always gets a time out away for 4 minutes at the moment, whatever the age is how many minutes he will sit out for. After this I will talk to him and explain what he had done wrong and next time what to do instead of biting for example. All toddlers will have meltdowns at some point and hit or bite and this is totally normally as they can not yet express there feelings properly.
I was recommended a book called “How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk”
It is a fantastic book and communication tool kit based on a series of workshops developed by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish. You may have heard of the faber method when it comes to baby sleep training in the past! Have a read, it really is great especially for toddler meltdowns like the ones you describe above!
i love these tips, they are really helpful. next meltdown over thomas the tank being turned off the tv i will give this a go lol!!