Reasons Your Toddler’s Tantrum Is A Good Thing

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Toddler tantrums tend to happen at the worst possible places at the most inappropriate times, leaving you wondering if you are really made out to be a parent. It happens every day and it shouldn’t make any parent feel bad, however, we are human!

The fact you even have think those thoughts means you are doing a fine job. Meltdowns are simply part of life with a toddler

In fact, those temper tantrums have numerous benefits. Hard to believe at first, perhaps, but it’s true. Learning how grumpy breakdowns and all-out fits may actually help your toddler develop might make it easier for you to make it through those tender, yet trying early years.

Feelings

If you consider the fact that every single emotion is relatively new to someone who has only been on this earth a handful of years, you gain a bit of perspective.

A tantrum is a sign that your little one is experiencing frustration, anger, sadness, fear or any combination of big feelings. Acknowledging these emotions and letting him or her know they are normal and okay can go a long way.

Self-Awareness
Your toddler knows exactly what he wants, but he or she may not yet know how to express this self-awareness. This can be very frustrating for him, so the tantrums will erupt. Teaching him how to name these feelings, such as by saying, “You feel disappointed that we can’t go to the beach now” can lessen the fear and frustration that he is experiencing.

Self-Confidence
Through their toddler years, kids start to understand they are separate from their parents. They start to develop a sense of autonomy, realizing that they can say, “No!” to assert their independence.

Tantrums may be an extension of this knowledge, as they walk the fine line between needing you and feeling good about doing things for themselves.

A Bond
Meltdowns are not fun for moms and dads at all, but your child doesn’t enjoy them either. Learning you unconditionally support their feelings and will always provide a safe place to let go will deepen your child’s sense of trust in you as their parent.

They will feel more self-assured knowing that he or she has a safety net in this sometimes-scary world as they learns how to self regulate.

Empathy

As your toddler starts to experience tantrums and gains deeper understanding of his feelings, he will also have a greater awareness of other peoples emotions.

When you convey that you recognize, accept and sympathize with what he is going through at that time, he acquires skills to behave compassionately towards others.

Brain Development

Your child’s brain is not yet fully wired. In fact, it will not be completely developed until they reach their 20s. When you react in a healthy and appropriate manner to a tantrum, you are actually helping wire a child’s brain to make better choices and to deal with whatever life throws at her in a positive way.

Remember, this is just a phase and will not last forever! Once they can verbalise their feelings, the meltdowns will be a thing of the past.