Parenting Archives - Page 3 of 3

The best way to describe a toddler’s tantrum is senseless. When a toddler throws a tantrum it usually makes no sense. My toddler has been in tears because I held a toothbrush sideways instead of straight up in his mouth while I brushed his teeth. I’ve also had my toddler scream loudly at me because I dared to look at him while he was eating. Tantrums can be absolutely infuriating for a parent because most of the time they don’t make any sense.

The sad thing is, toddler tantrums can’t be avoided completely. Tantrums are going to happen at times and over absolutely silly things. However, I’ve discovered two things that seem to help limit my toddler’s tantrums.

Keep Your Toddler Well-Fed.

In my toddler’s case, it seems like almost any time he throws a tantrum it’s usually because he’s hungry. One time at lunch he wouldn’t stop crying. I asked him why he was having such a hard time. He said it was hard to be good when he was so hungry.

It’s hard to be good when I’m hungry. – 3 Year Old

My one-year-old hits others, the floor, or her toys when she’s hungry. It’s the only time I see her do it. When she’s hungry she just doesn’t act right. So now that I know this when I see her starting to hit and throw tantrums, I know it’s time to get that girl fed fast.

Being hungry can be the trigger that sets your toddler or pre-toddler over the edge. As a parent, it can be helpful to pay attention to when your little last ate and how much they ate. If they didn’t eat well, or it’s been a long time since they ate, you can’t realistically expect good behavior. With that in mind, if you know lunch will be late, be sure to pack a snack, lunch on the go, or something to keep those little tummies fed. Avoid tantrums by keeping those littles well-fed!

Keep Your Toddler Well-Rested.

A sleepy kid isn’t going to be as well behaved. Whenever possible, try to make naps happen every day. Also, you can’t stay out late at night for lots of nights in a row and expect your toddler to not be affected. Rest can greatly affect the behavior of your kids.

One of my kids is sensitive to sleep, the other isn’t. If my toddler wakes up too early or doesn’t go to bed at the right time, their behavior will not be good. Whenever possible, I try to ensure that naps happen regularly. Even if the nap is shorter than normal, I still try to squeeze in a little snooze if at all possible.

I can’t be nice when I’m sleepy, mom – 3 Year Old

There are lots of strategies to help with toddler behavior but these are two good ones to check up on. A hungry or sleepy kid is going to be more prone to tantrums and fits. That’s why I love having my kids on a flexible schedule, I know when they’ve eaten last and slept. This helps me determine whether the tantrum is because they’re tired, hungry, or if they’re just being a child.

Also, if you have to run errands, help your toddler out by going after lunch, snack or nap. Picking times that you know your toddler will be well behaved will certainly help you keep your sanity and save you lots of embarrassment.

Toddler Throwing Tantrum - Two Strategies to help your toddler avoid tantrums

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I love watching my kids discover new things. I love the unexpected hugs, the sticky hands touching my arm while reading a book or the smiles and giggles we share. Being a parent has changed my life for the better. I believe part of why I love being with my kids so much is due to the schedule they’re on. For me, a schedule has helped me work from home while raising two kids.

Here are four ways that scheduling my kid’s day has helped me.

Reason One – A Schedule Makes Sure I Get A Break

As much as I love being a mom, I need some alone time. The reason I love our flexible schedule is that it provides me with some much needed “me time”. I have several times during the day when I can take a break from being mom. That is a relief. I know my kids are napping or playing in their rooms and are safe. This allows me to relax for a minute and to help me be a better mom.

When my kids are around, I’m never relaxed. I’m always trying to keep them from hurting themselves and keep them having fun. The reason a schedule is so great is that it allows me to take some breaks from being a mom.

Reason Two – A Schedule Helps My Kids Get Along Better

I think a flexible schedule helps my kids get along better. My kids have their moments when they fight, they’re human. However, I believe that scheduling some time apart everyday has helped my kids get along better. They’re usually very excited to see each other and give each other an abundance of hugs and kisses. I believe this is due to the fact that they both have some time scheduled away from each other during the day.

Reason Three – With A Schedule I Can Work From Home

My flexible schedule allows me to work from home. As much as I had wanted to be a stay at home mom, my husband and I weren’t able to make that work, financially. However, by scheduling my kid’s day I’ve been able to both stay at home with the kids and work at home. I’m able to set aside time each day to get my work done and I know the kids are busy doing activities that I’ve planned out for them.

Reason Four – A Schedule Ensures I Get Time With My Husband

Our schedule allows me some alone time with my husband. My kids have set bedtimes that are early enough to allow my husband and I to have a little time together at night. I need the time to be able to talk to him while being focused and uninterrupted. Our flexible schedule provides this for us.

My kids are on a schedule and it’s worked great for us. They seem to like knowing what’s coming next in their day and what to expect. Our schedule is very flexible, so if a fun opportunity presents itself, we’re sure to stop what we’re doing and go have fun.

Four Reasons A Flexible Schedule for Toddlers Works For Me