What is the best way to deal with Toddler Tantrum?

Question

which is more effective in dealing with the toddler's tantrum......putting him in time-out, spanking, just ignoring his fit, or some other alternative (that you could suggest to me)...?

Answer 1

Give him big hugs, squeezes and kisses.

Answer 2

I'm for turning my back to the child and ignoring the tantrum. Time them. As soon as the child stops, go to him and engage him in an activity that is appropriate and enjoyed by him/her. By timing the tantrums, you'll be able to see if they increase or decrease in duration and also the # of tantrums in a day. It would be iteresting to also note when they occur. You may see a pattern that has formed and a way to avoid the tantrums. The worst thing you can do is to give the child what he is wanting by throwing the tantrum. You are then rewarding inappropriate behavior and things will only get worse, much worse from there on.

Answer 3

There is a book/DVD series called "The Happiest Toddler on the Block : The New Way to Stop the Daily Battle of Wills and Raise a Secure and Well-Behaved One- to Four-Year-Old". It is published by Dr. Harvey Harp. I borrowed the DVD from the library and are surprised by the method they use to deal with the Toddler Tantrum. It is very easy and humane. (Does not involve let him cry it out or things like that.) I used the technique on my 2 year old and it really did work. I definitely recommend you to dig into that a little bit more.

Answer 4

It depends what's causing the tantrum, is the child hungry, sleepy, pent up from being indoors too much? If all of his needs are met then he may be throwing the tantrum because he can't communicate what he needs to say and he's frustrated so spanking him really wouldn't help. Talking to him would be better. Get down on his level and say "No Yelling. Can you show me what you need?"

If he's throwing a fit because he was told no, ignore it. When he's older you can put him in time-out and say "it's not okay to yell and kick your legs when you're angry. It is okay to say "I'm angry because...".

Answer 5

What really works for us ( we have a 2 year old) is a combination of ignoring the small ones.... and putting him on the "naughty step" for 2 minutes.
CONSISTENCY is what works... you should pick a plan of action and stick to it.
Toddlers thrive on routine, if they know that they will get time on the naughty step if they throw a tantrum, they may re think throwing one... I know my son does.
I also strongly believe in picking my battles with him. We try not to freak out about EVERYTHING, when he does something pretty bad... he gets the step... like hitting, or not listening or swinging the cat by his tail... lol
Take care
Oh Wait... don't spank... kids don't deserve to be beaten..;)

Answer 6

Well, everyday I seem to be experimenting with this same question. Personally, I would say, First correct in a calm manner, then try to redirect. If all else fails, ignore! And in worse case scenarios maybe a time out! Use different techniques just don't hit! It only teaches to hit! I have a 7 month old as well as a 20 month old! These methods seem to work for me!

Answer 7

i dont usually spank unless my two yr old hits me scratches or causes pain to another person. or doesnt listen when i ask her to do something after ten times. but i just send her to her room or time out and if im in public i redirect her attention to something else. but most of the time when shes acting out its usually cause shes wet hungry or tired. so just find out what is the reasoning for the tantrum and go from there just make sure the punishment fits the crime.

Answer 8

When my daughter was little (she's almost 13 now) she would throw tantrums. I seen something on TV about it and it said to completely Ignore them and to cover your eyes when they do. I was skeptical but I tried it and it worked. I guess they want to know you are seeing them throw a fit and when they see you won't watch them they give up. Having said that I now have a 16 month old and he has a terrible temper. When he gets mad he tends to hit me. I smack his hand or butt and tell him that's bad. I know it is kind of a contradiction to hit them for hitting you but he is too young for time out, and I believe he is getting the idea because he now hesitates before he hits.

Answer 9

think like a two year old and give the child a punishment befitting a two year old and at time you don't even need to punish play along and use something to distract the child form the tantrum. because a child at this age is impressionable their minds are like wet cement and if you place your hand in it while wet it will leave a hand print be care ful not to damage the child for life. so think like a two year old it's not easy but it can be done. don't always give in to the childs demands set bounderies but in ways the child can understand make rule following fun and establish a realtionship where the child will realise that tantrums don't alwyas get them what they want. i've raise two two year old it worked for me

Answer 10

Spanking isn't understood by a 2 year old. Reserve that for slightly older age..maybe 4 or 5, used lightly and when needed.

Time-out, again, not really understood.
I just ignored our kids when they wound up...usually it goes away quickly.

Answer 11

the first thing you have to do is to know the reason why he's having tantrums.. if it's because of something he wanted that was not given to him, do not reinforce the behavior by giving in to what he wants. ignore. just be consistent. when you notice his behavior to be getting worse, that means your technique is working because he is looking for other means to get what he wants. just continue to ignore and soon this behavior will slowly be extinct. =)