I'm sure were all in agreement that a child having a temper tantrum is never fun. And of course, a child having an episode in public is even worse in my opinion. The looks of judgment are still tough for me to deal with, but that's another blog.
Learning and trying to figure out what will help Hannah to transition from one activity to another is a big goal of mine. How to re-direct those feeling of anger and frustration while also acknowledging for her what she may be feeling.
As I explore what will work and focus on the times when these tantrums occur, I try to just stay near by and re-direct what I can to make sure she's not hurting herself or throwing things. My biggest strategy for now when we're at home, is to ignore these fits of frustration and wait for her to settle down.
Sometimes when I see she's starting to settle, I ask her to take my hand and I'm able to re-direct her to a new activity or take her to a new location, like her bedroom. (so I've learned a little bit of how I could re-direct her while at home).
The whole public outburst doesn't happen to often so I'm very grateful for that.
I've found having a diaper bag or purse full of things she's never seen before (small car, littlest pet shop pet, new book) or some favorite snack, can be a great motivator to re-direct those moments.
But quite frankly ,if I feel an out burst is about to come on.... I finish what I'm doing and just get out of where ever I am.
After all ,there's nothing that important or that can't wait for another time when I'm either alone or Hannah is in a better mood.
I'm learning to listen to my child and respect that she also has limitations.
I found these articles to give me some suggestions on coping with and helping my 2 year old figure things out.
A happy child is so much better after all.
Why 2-year-throw tantrums by Bonnie Monte
Reviewed by the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board
http://www.babycenter.com/0_tantrums-why-they-happen-and-what-to-do-about-them_63649.bc
A temper tantrum is the emotional equivalent of a summer storm – sudden and sometimes fierce, but often over as quickly as it starts. One minute you and your child are enjoying your dinner in a restaurant, the next she's whimpering, whining, and then screaming to go home. Two-year-olds are especially prone to such episodes.
Though you may worry that you're raising a tyrant, take heart – at this age, it's unlikely that your child is throwing a fit to be manipulative. More likely, she's having a meltdown in response to frustration. Often, your 2-year-old's language skills – or lack thereof – are to blame.
"Two-year-olds are beginning to understand more and more of the words they hear, yet their ability to articulate their feelings and needs is limited," says Claire B. Kopp, professor of applied developmental psychology at California's Claremont Graduate University. As a result, frustration builds when your child can't express how she feels.
Other experts say shifting chemicals in your toddler's brain may cause tantrums. Whatever the reason, temper tantrums are normal at this age, and your child will probably grow out of them sometime around the age of 3. As embarrassing as these tantrums might be, try to keep in mind that all parents have to deal with them.
READ MORE of the article.....
2-Year-Olds and Temper Tantrums | By
http://www.livestrong.com/article/495527-2-year-old-temper-tantrums/
Stomping, kicking, biting, scratching, pinching, screaming and throwing are all characteristics of a two-year-old’s temper tantrum. Toddlers are prone to uncontrollable outbursts at this age, so your toddler is not purposely acting out to make you angry. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take during tantrums to calm down your youngster and minimize future outbursts. READ MORE article here....