Holy Tantrums, Batman!

ELF4321

Anyone else seen a big uptick in the frequency and violence of tantrums lately?  DD has always had a temper, but it used to be pretty easy to distract her away from whatever had her screaming.  Until last week.  It's like a switch went off in her brain -- hey, I'm almost 2.5, I need to turn into a kicking, screaming, inconsolable, wild beast at least once a day.  It lasts anywhere from 30-60 minutes each time and can be triggered by almost anything that doesn't go her way. 

I haven't figured out how to deal with it yet.  Should I ignore her?  Hold her/hug her even when she's screaming and trying to push me away?   Any tips?

bellelamb

My middle does this still I walk him to his room and set him on his bed and tell him when he's done he can rejoin the family.

littleredfish

bellelamb said:

My middle does this still I walk him to his room and set him on his bed and tell him when he's done he can rejoin the family.

This, only our spot of choice is the stairs. 

If she's just crying I tell her I don't understand her when she whines/cries so until she can calm down and use words she has to sit down. If she's hitting or kicking, same thing I just rephrase for "Mommy loves you, but I can't understand you when you yell and hit. You can sit here until you can be gentle and use your words like a big girl." If she tries to get up (which is rare at this point) we keep putting her back without saying anything or even making eye contact until she gives up. The timeline for her sitting on the stairs depends on how long it takes her to calm down.

ebl2

Same as PPs, we tell DD that she has to sit facing the wall until she's done crying and throwing a fit. 

mrsshawnavanb

The tantrums feel constant at this point. At 8 months pregnant I find myself struggling to stay calm and deal with them. I keep trying to explain to her that she is going to be a big sissy soon and mommy will need her help. And, that she has to be a good example for her little brother. But, like you said- almost anything sets her off. If she cannot have or do something she wants, it is a guaranteed fit. Hers don't last quite as long as your LO's though. Thank goodness, I would definitely lose my mind.