Well as they say it’s only tough to handle the young ones for the first twenty years after that its a piece of cake.
Before you take that statement too seriously and faint, we are here to let you understand your moody little ones.
Why they do, what they do
Fewer words, more wants
You are at somebody’s place, or finally planning to have a little me time assuming you have provided all what your little one needs and bam you hear a loud shriek as your toddler’s cranky meter is going sky high. Frustrated, yes you have the right to feel that way. But have you ever thought of the agitation your little one feels as he is unable to communicate his/her needs and on top of that the poor child is facing your wrath.
Toddlers have a limited vocabulary and so at times they are unsuccessful to convey their message properly. It makes them cranky.
Emotions, not under control
I am sure you guys must have come cross instances where you regret your behaviour, mostly an anger outburst, under a situation. You think later that you could have been less aggressive about it. Now imagine if we being grown-ups could have moments of uncontrollable emotions it is justified for the little ones to feel that way.
Your little one is too young to have a grip on emotions. They have a tendency to be swept away by their emotions and hence they end up being cranky.
For instance if your child wants your attention and you take a minute to wrap up whatever you are doing, that’s it, you might have to face an upset little person. As it is a big deal in their small world that you are depriving him of their need.
Sleepy head = Tantrums
Lack of sleep is another factor that can make an otherwise jolly child turn into any mother’s nightmare. Some parents are lucky to have a kid who would drift into sleep at the most random spot right after the first yawn. The other kind ( oh boy!!) are the ones who could be a pictorial definition of the word hyper. They are too distracted by everything around them and so inadvertently keep on delaying to sleep.
The problem is that apparently it seems that they are playing and parents tend to assume they are not sleepy. However the lack of sleep kicks in and the child starts to sound agitated at little things.
Easily Bored
Sometimes providing too much to your young ones becomes the reason for them being cranky. They tend to become (of course unintentionally) ungrateful for the luxuries around them. Surplus of toys makes them bored as they are not able to pay attention to each toy. They would jump on to the next one immediately.
Attention Please!!
Well a different kind of cause for your little one to be cranky has to do with your behaviour. The irony is that you might be reading this article to deal with their tantrums and all they want you to do is to put your cell phone aside and play with them.
Remember!!
Your time is the most valuable gift that you can give to your child. Often a pattern of disturbing behaviour is witnessed among children who are not getting sufficient attention by their parents. As stated in the very first point, of course they are just toddlers and unable to fathom that the lack of attention is bothering them, let alone say that to you. As a result you have a little angry bird driving you crazy.
What you should do
I wish I could tell you a way out of this situation as easy as snapping your fingers but the truth is that the only key to go through this is nothing but patience.
I know, the mother with a toddler shouting at the top of his lungs would roll her eyes at the word “patience”. But as bitter as it may sound, that is the only way to deal with them without causing their fragile minds any harm.
A shouting parent versus a shouting toddler is NEVER a good combination. It would do nothing but create chaos.
Tough Love
Well, not shouting at them doesn’t mean you can’t show them your strict side. In fact giving a reasonable punishment in a calm manner is a lot better than losing your cool. You may have a “naughty/shameful corner” to make your child stand there. Other punishments can be depriving them of their favourite chocolate, cartoon etc.
Reward
Bad behaviour is discouraged by punishments and likewise good behaviour should be acknowledged through a reward. You don’t have to get them an expensive toy , a chocolate candy, a star sticker on the hand etc. would do the trick. They would try to get the reward by improving their behaviour.
An important Reminder!!
Yes, you would have days when you would be sleep deprived and your young one would be driving you crazy. Just keep in mind these days will pass but any abusive/harsh behaviour or language used in such a moment would imprint on your little ones forever. You expect a little fellow to behave while you lose your temper in a jiffy. Wise ? I don’t think so!!!
