TERRIBLE TWO'S (and THREE'S!) TANTRUMS: ADVICE AND RESOURCES

What is going on?

You have been enjoying all the fun with your child, and how she explores the world around her. Then all of a sudden your world changes just as hers does. You find that she is kicking and screaming on the floor and it's only because you picked the yellow cup instead of the red cup. What has happened to your adorable angel that used to coo and giggle and smile all the time!?

Why is it happening?

Your child is growing and developing. He is learning how the world reacts to things that go on around him. He is experimenting with different techniques. Most likely he saw someone else try something (like crying) and he wants to see if it will work for him. Kids are smart. So now how do you handle all of this?

Decide what your limits are. Then stick to them.

If don't want to hear your child cry for the next few years any time that something doesn't go quite his way, then you can give him what he wants to stop the crying. He'll learn that if he cries, he'll get what he wants.

If you don't want to hear your child to continuously act this way, then you'll want to teach your child that crying and throwing a fit are useless and don't achieve anything.

Sound too easy? Maybe.

If your child senses that YOU have set your limits, then he'll feel comfortable with accepting them. SO, when your child cries because he doesn't get what he wants at that moment, let him know that you have made a decision and his crying won't do anything. But really mean it. Kids are smart. They know if you'll break down and give in. They'll push you until you do!