How To Calm Your Two Year Old During A Fit
Ways to Calm Your Two Year Old During A Fit
There is a reason they call it “terrible two’s”. Two year olds can be extremely troublesome to handle. And temper tantrums are one of the common parts of childhood which every parent has to deal with at one point or another. When a 2 year old is throwing a fit, it could be due to a number of reasons. Usually a two year old throws a fit when he feels that he is not being listened to by his parents. There are a number of ways in which you can calm down your two year old’s tantrums to a great extent. In this article, we have listed the ways to help your child settle down and even relax them. No one wants to listen to crying, little “stomping” feet and screaming anyways.
Be Calm Yourself
It might seem too simplistic, but this is indeed a necessity if you want to calm down your child. When a child is having a temper fit, the last thing you should do is have a temper fit of your own. An angry child gets even more ruffled by an angry parent. The child needs a calming influence around him to calm down. So, while your two year old is throwing a fit, step back from the situation and remain calm and wait for the child to calm down enough to listen to you.
Try To Understand What's Bothering The Child
No matter how annoying your child’s fit might get, realize that there is always an underlying reason there. Your child might be cranky due to lack of sleep, or maybe he is hungry or maybe he is just vying for your attention. Provide what the child seems to need. Putting the child to sleep often helps if the child is tired. Try and offer him food and see how he reacts. Stay close to the child and say soothing words. A calm parent’s proximity is often enough to pacify the child.
The Terrible Twos Poll
How often does your child throw tantrums?
Create A Distraction
If your two year old is having a fit, then a distraction might help. If the child is irritated in general, then giving him a book or a toy or even a cookie. Often when the child is throwing a tantrum, a quick distraction helps a lot. It instantly takes up their attention, and they forget what they were throwing the fit about. This way, you will be able to calm your child effectively.
Hug Them
Hugs have a calming effect on everyone. Specialists say that a hug lasting for 10 seconds or more has a therapeutic effect on adults. Even in case of small children, a parent’s hug can be very peaceful. When your child is throwing a fit, just hug your child for an extended time. It will make them feel secure and understood and that will in turn calm them down.
Make Sure The Tantrum Isn't Health Related
Your child may be screaming for a good reason - because they are in utter pain. Make sure you find out what is wrong and if it is health related, bring them to a hospital ASAP. Most parents will be able to tell what’s wrong with their child. Take their temperature, look at the condition of their skin and even check for bite marks or anything peculiar that you’ve never noticed before.
Surviving The Terrible Twos
Give Your Child Choices
One good way of calming your two year old’s fits is by giving them a choice of a tempting incentive if they behave well. For instance promise them an extra hour of video games if they do not throw a tantrum at the restaurant you are visiting. Giving them such choices will motivate them to behave well.
