Temper Tantrums

I knew I would have to face this some day..... especially when Anvesha reaches the so called "terrible twos"... though was never prepared to have to face it around this time.  Temper tantrums !!!!!! These are plain expression of frustration over something that a toddler cannot or won't be allowed to do. Mix in hunger and fatigue and you have got an atom bomb. These are definitely not a pretty sight, especially in public places as it gets embarrassing and the only resort is to give in ( at least that's what I thought)

Anvesha is getting more independent day by day and with this also comes the freedom to make choices of what she wants to do and where she wants to go. Disapprove her actions and you have a  crying, whining toddler with an arching back.That is the time I wonder where has my sweet little girl disappeared ??  So what is the trigger??? Well, it could be anything from wanting to listen to a particular song, wanting to play in the mud when we have dressed her up in the most prettiest dress, not wanting to brush her teeth to throwing objects out from the aisle at the grocery store.   I did get some relief when somebody rightly pointed out, "You are in for a world of embarrassment if age appropriate behavior embarrasses you". 

So we have come up with our own strategy to deal with these nasty situations:

• Keep your cool- Its easier to have a meltdown yourself when the child is giving you a hard day
• Redirect, redirect, redirect- It could be through humor, favorite activity, books, the bottom line is to divert the attention.
• Ignore-When Anvesha gets to a point where she gets too frustrated, she simply lies down and rolls on the floor ( thanks to the carpet flooring she does not hurt herself :)).  At this point its best to just ignore her and carry on with the daily chores. Its just her tactic to get attention. Sorry sweety.... you cannot get my attention this way !!!!

When she calms down I cuddle her close to me, but no matter what, the key is to not give in to her demands as this would send out a wrong signal.This might be difficult when we are in a public place, so at that time, its best to leave.

Iam doing my bit to prevent the meltdown by warding off hunger, fatigue, boredom or over stimulation. So whenever we go out I pack lots of healthy snacks, few toys or book and make sure she is well rested before leaving the house. It is such a horrible sight ... the crying, the whining aggghhhh !!!! I wish I had a video from last night when we would not let her watch TV. She created a big fuss, but soon went back to normal when she did not get much attention from us.

Like all other phases, this too shall pass !!!!!  SIGH !!!!!!!!