Managing Your Toddler's Frustrating Behaviors
Young children between 12 months and 24 months of age may throw fits, act selfishly, and rarely mind. This behavior often develops out of frustration from not being able to communicate, master skills, and be as independent as they want to be. Assertiveness and irritability are normal behaviors for toddlers.
Toddlers are actively absorbing and exploring the world around them. So many toddlers quickly reach a point of sensory overload. This seems to happen at the most inconvenient times, such as while you are shopping for groceries.
A newfound sense of autonomy and independence prompts the toddler to test limits—including yours. For example, your toddler bangs a toy on the table and then looks at you for a response. When there is no response, she repeats her actions. She wants to know what she can do and cannot do. Be patient and set firm, fair, and consistent boundaries. This will help your toddler learn what behavior is appropriate.
Often toddlers have fits or temper tantrums because of internal conflicts. Toddlers may become frustrated by wanting to do something independently but not being able to. Also, they often have two opposing desires—wanting both to be independent and to feel taken care of. Toddlers' tempers can become especially fragile when they feel tired, hungry, or bored or when they want your attention. They do not have the language skills or physical capabilities to protest in an appropriate manner a situation they don't like.
Toward the end of the second year, tantrums usually occur less frequently as toddlers gain more self-control and become comfortable with their abilities. They become less frustrated and are able to show more restraint and less of a knee-jerk response when you say "no" or otherwise challenge their control. This behavioral improvement is related to brain maturation, especially development of the cerebral cortex. Recognize that these tantrums are for the child to work out, not you.
You can try the following strategies to help manage your toddler's challenging behavior:
Although you may sometimes feel exhausted, remember to reassure toddlers that you love them and it's their behavior you don't like, not them. Reward good behavior with praise and attention.
One of the most important parenting tools to use with your toddler—indeed, with children of any age—is modeling good behavior. Children learn from what you tell them. And they learn even more from what they see you do. Interacting with others in a loving, open manner and dealing with frustrations calmly will give your toddler the best model to learn from.
For more information about behavior issues and how to respond to them, see the topic Temper Tantrums.
eMedicineHealth Medical Reference from Healthwise
To learn more visit Healthwise.org
© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.