12 Month Old Just Starting Tantrums

Anjel_9@hotmail.com

Hi, I just posted this on the 9-12 month board too, but realized that I'll probably get some good advice from parents who have been there on this board.. 

My just-under-12-month old has just this week started throwing tantrums.. which seems really early to be starting those 'Terrible Twos'!  

Does anyone else have experience with this, and any recommendations?  She twists her head to the side and stiffens up and starts thrashing and throwing her head.  It's really scary because I'm worried that she's going to hit her head on something and hurt herself.  So far it usually starts when she's happy playing and we have to lay her down to change her diaper/clothes. We gently/firmly hold her down and tell her NO, while continuing to change her.  Not sure if we should just walk away (while keeping an eye on her obviously) so we're not engaging with her when she's acting like that, or if we should have a 'tantrum timeout corner' or something.. or if we should just try to hold her when she's crying/thrashing.  She's still so young!  Any advice would be welcomed! 

apeschka

The pediatrician said that this is super common and frankly to ignore it and it will stop. kids know how hard to throw themselves or hit themselves to make it look bad without actually hurting themselves. If you ignore it generally they eventually will stop

BLPL101

My DD is 13 months and has been throwing tantrums for a while. We redirect and it definitely helps. 

pb_bride

DS started that around the same age too.  LIke you said, it usually happens during a transition.  I was getting really frustrated as he was so uncooperative!

But the good news is, it has gotten better.  I think a large part has to do with DS's language reception.  Nowadays when I am planning a transition for him (eg, need to change his diaper, or need to go out, or time for nap/bed).  I will tell him 5 minutes ahead of time what we are going to do. I repeat it several times over the next few minutes.  DS definitely understands me, and so he is aware of the upcoming transition and less likely throws a tantrum. Some days he will even automatically clean up his toys before going upstairs (for diaper change) with me.