The “T’s”. Here they are – and in HIGH GEAR. Saturday morning, 11 AM, count: 4 Tantrums. 18 1/2 months – the month that will live in infamy.
Apparently we have what is considered a “spirited” child. I’d like to blame my husband, but fortunately or unfortunately, both of us have very “spirited” personalities. While part of me is glad that Lucas won’t potentially be a push-over, it also means that he can’t easily be convinced to change his behavior… at 18 months. Who am I kidding – he was like this from day 1! My friends that know him are already rolling their eyes and laughing… Spirited indeed.
After this morning’s 20 minute tantrum over not being able to climb into the kitchen sink after asking nicely (he signed “please” excessively and mommy wouldn’t bend), we put him in his crib and he finally knocked himself out after another 10 minutes of crying! I ran to my friend Google “toddler tantrum solutions”. Here are the articles that I found useful (I hate fake landing pages!) and the books that folks are recommending.
Toddler Tantrum Solutions – Articles
- Toddler Tantrum Survival Guide: Online Article (Parenting.Kaboose.com)
I do not think this advice would work for our spirited child, but I love most of Dr. Sear’s stuff, and every kid is different so make up your own mind!
- KidsHealth.org – Page 3 had some good tips on handling a toddler tantrum depending on the reason for it, which is a great point.
- Toddler Tantrums article on BabyZone. ”When Things Get Physical” on part 3 was very useful. ”If you’re at home, create a safe space where your child can let out some steam in these moments.” Mmmm – can mommy use the ‘crazy person’ room too?
Today’s Lesson: we are going to teach him the sign for “angry” to see if we can get him to start expressing it before he loses control. Wishful thinking? Maybe, but we have to start somewhere.
Toddler Tantrum Books – Toddler Behavior Books
First, thank you to “virtual friend” Shelley, whom I met at SocialMoms, for her blog post on Established Ways in response to my post “Toddler Mom Seeking Help – What Books Do You Recommend For…” Other moms made great recommendations on different books and ideas on different topics there. You should check it out.
As far as behavior goes, here is the short list I plan to read based on recommendations. I’ll review or respond to any key points in the books that I think apply to “spirited” children in particular, or any other good thoughts they might have.
1. Baby Whisperer’s Book for Toddler Behavior
I was a fan of some portions of the Baby Whisperer when Lucas was a baby. It didn’t all work for us, but at least got me on the right track for sleep training. Hoping it does the same with tantrums!
2. Happiest Toddler on the Block
3. Parenting with Love and Logic
4. 1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for…
Holy crap Batman… this book is $50! Looks like I”ll be calling my library to see if they have this one! Actually, the only one I will probably buy right away for my Kindle is the Whisperer’s. I”ll see what I can find used or at the library from there.
So, any other ideas, articles or books that you want to recommend? Please share them in our comments!
I am really not looking forward to the terrible twos with my little one :/ very funny though :)
Laura x
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All great books for sure. I sell superhero dresses for girls.
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I read the happiest toddler on the block when my son was about 18 months old (he’s 4 now). I think it helped make our relationship what I wanted it to be – we just ‘got’ each other, and life was so fun! I absolutely recommend it.
Thanks for the great post!
Really like the idea from Kids Health…”Consider the request carefully when your child wants something…Choose your battles.” A lot of times the request is not unreasonable, nor harmful, sooo…why not?! As an adult, though, it can be difficult to think like a child and see how something that may seem silly to us, may be so important to them.
My little one is 24 month sold and still throws some pretty good tantrums. The odd part is (or not) that my first two kids were not this bad. Thank you for the articles to check out, I am staying tuned for your best pick. Thanks and think what I always think:This too shall pass”
For a second there, i thought you meant the tantrum had been going on for 18 months! wow!
This was a great post! Specially for moms suffering from their kids unbearable tantrums. I can relate to this kind of problem though I still dont have kids. My nieces and nephews almost drove my cousins mad :) Thats why im now in doubt as to have a baby of my own, it may turn out like them!
whoa good advice i would really recommend this blog thanks!.
Oh my gosh, I wish I’d had some of these books when my oldest boy was that age. He was a nightmare! Thankfully my daughter and my younger son were good as gold. :)
Great links though, would recommend this to any mom about to have a tantrum on their hands!
Ryan had his first tantrum at 23 months on Feb 17th. I’ll never forget the date because it was Enbrey’s birthday and I was supposed to help Eden that day getting things ready for her party (we never made it). That day Ryan had 3 tantrums. By tantrum 3 I was convinced there was something VERY wrong with Ryan. I grabbed the video camera so I can capture every detail so the doctors were sure to diagnose his “condition” or bring it to an exorsist so they can confirm he was possessed. In the meantime I also called in a panic Sean and my Mom to come home immediately — I didn’t know what to do. I was SO scared and emotionally exhausted. And then, like a light switch Ryan snapped out of it. Of course he’s had a few tantrums since but much milder and we know how to handle it now. Each child is different. Not sure a book will solve it for you but if it does, you’re lucky. Once he starts to talk more it taper off. Good luck :)
OMG you had me laughing out loud. This morning felt like a rapid fire machine gun of tantrums went off in the house! How did you even think to record it! Too funny. I”ll pull out the camera tomorrow. ;-)