You are experiencing one of life's greatest joys: parenting a young child.
From the day of your baby's birth, each day brings discoveries and enchantment.
Then, when your precious little one nears the age of two, something happens.
The sweet, angelic creature is often transformed into someone altogether different.
Your child is about to enter the age of tantrums.
Where did this baby learn to scream, kick, bite and hit simultaneously, and why did this unfortunate event have to occur in the grocery store? New parents are often challenged when confronted with these negative behaviors, particularly when they happen for the first time.
There are many ways to deal with tantrums.
Some work better than others.
We will begin with the methods that backfire.
Let's say you and your toddler are shopping, and your little one sees something he absolutely must have.
You say no, and the whining starts.
You say no again, and then chaos ensues.
Some parents might consider purchasing the item just to quell the tantrum.
This is the wrong approach, because your screaming, hitting toddler will eventually associate his bad behavior with a reward.
During a tantrum, you may be tempted to shout at your toddler, or use words that are beyond the comprehension of a two-year-old.
For starters, your child's vocabulary is limited, and he will not understand most of what you are trying to communicate.
Additionally, children emulate their parents: if Mommy or Daddy raise their voices when they are criticized or when they want something, this must be an acceptable form of behavior.
Let's examine effective ways to deal with tantrums.
Begin with trying to analyze the source of the inappropriate conduct.
Tantrums often arise from frustration, which can spring from fatigue, hunger, an inability to communicate or not receiving gratification.
If you believe your little one needs a nap or a lunch break, attend to these matters immediately.
If you are that parent whose child is acting up in the grocery store, simply ignore the tantrum, as well as the dirty looks from the other shoppers.
Chances are that once your toddler realizes his behavior is not getting the desired result, the drama will eventually cease.
When your child is calmer, talk to him about asking for things in a polite way.
Reinforce this suggestion whenever tantrums occur, and your toddler will eventually learn that tantrums do not deliver what he wants.
As they grow, children begin to assert their independence in many little ways.
However, they also need boundaries.
After a tantrum, tell your child in a matter-of-fact way that his conduct was out of the bounds of good behavior, and that there are consequences for such conduct.
An effective consequence might be the loss of a favorite toy for a few days.
You must be consistent with your discipline, or your child will realize the punishment was a one-time occurrence.
Be sure to reward your child when he completes a day without whining or tantrums.
Make sure he knows that his good behavior is the reason for the treat.
If your child exhibits setbacks, be patient.
He will eventually realize that being well behaved produces positive reinforcement from you.
For additional information on dealing with tantrums