Potty Training : Tackling Tantrums
Big changes lead to Big tantrums. When they are learning any new skill, it is very normal for them to start getting frustrated at the smallest of things as they are trying to cope with the learning process. So don’t get mad at them, instead use there 4 techniques to help tackle their tantrums:
Stay Calm
Acknowledge their feelings
Set boundaries
Change to a positive narrative
Staying Calm
If your child starts to throw a fit just because you asked them to stop doing something they love like playing with their toys or watching a cartoon after you had given them the time to do that activity. You have to stay as calm as a cucumber no matter how much your child is screaming or yelling, don't resort to negotiating or begging, just stay calm, your calmness will be contagious and your child will eventually stop throwing tantrums.
Acknowledge their feelings
It is important to acknowledge your child’s feelings just like you would with your friends or family members. Your child is going through a lot of changes as they grow up and they want to be sure you have their back. Listen to your child, understand what they are trying to say to you and assure them that you are there for them. When they see that you are understanding how they feel, the likely hood of the tantrum having a shorter life is a great possibility.
Setting Boundaries
You have to be assertive with your child when you have decided to set a boundary for them. If you cave in to their tantrums you are leading them to think one of the 2 things:
Confusing them by allowing them to waiver away from the boundaries set means they don't have to follow boundaries anymore?
Leading to bigger tantrums when they want something cause they will feel if they yell, scream or create a big enough scene you will cave in and let them do what they want.
So always stick to the boundaries that you have decided to set for you little one.
Change to a positive narrative
Stop saying the word “No” and try creating situations where you are giving your child an option of what kind of activity they want to do next, how they want their day to go by giving them options to choose from, asking them what toys they want to play with, etc. These things will have you say yes to the activity they want to do and also give your child some power which will make them feel good. So try finding age appropriate things to ask your child which will result in the answers being a yes.
