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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