If you’re a parent, then you’re probably familiar with the term “terrible twos.” This stage in a child’s life is notorious for tantrums, meltdowns, and general uncooperativeness. But did you know that these behaviors can start as early as 22 months old? That’s right, even before your child turns two, you might already be dealing with 22 month old temper tantrums.
Don’t worry, though – you’re not alone. Tantrums are a normal part of a child’s development, and they’re actually a sign that your little one is learning to express their emotions and assert their independence. But that doesn’t mean they’re easy to deal with, especially when they happen in public or at inopportune times.
In this article, we’ll explore why 22 month old temper tantrums happen and what you can do to manage them. We’ll cover strategies for preventing tantrums, coping with them when they do occur, and helping your child develop healthy emotional regulation skills. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of why your toddler is acting out and feel more confident in your ability to handle these challenging situations.
Understanding the Terrible Twos: Development and Causes
The “Terrible Twos” is a well-known phase in a child’s development, typically occurring around the age of 22 months. During this time, toddlers begin to assert their independence and test boundaries, which can lead to frustrations and tantrums. But what causes these meltdowns?
Cognitive Development
At 22 months old, children are rapidly developing their cognitive abilities. They begin to understand that they are separate individuals from their caregivers and start to form their own desires and preferences. This newfound self-awareness can be both exciting and overwhelming for toddlers, leading to emotional outbursts when they feel frustrated or thwarted.
Language Development
Toddlers at this age are also improving their language skills, but they may still struggle to communicate their thoughts and feelings effectively. When they can’t express themselves or don’t get what they want, tantrums can ensue.
Emotional Regulation
Another factor contributing to 22 month old temper tantrums is the ongoing development of emotional regulation skills. Toddlers are still learning how to manage their emotions, and their immature prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain responsible for impulse control and decision-making) can make it difficult for them to calm down once they become upset.
Physical Growth
Rapid physical growth during this stage can also contribute to tantrums. As toddlers become more mobile and coordinated, they may attempt to do things beyond their capabilities, leading to frustration when they can’t accomplish their goals.
In summary, the Terrible Twos are a normal part of a child’s development, driven by cognitive, language, emotional, and physical growth. Understanding these causes can help parents better empathize with their toddlers and develop strategies to manage tantrums effectively.
Preventing Tantrums: Setting Clear Boundaries and Positive Reinforcement
One of the most effective ways to manage 22 month old temper tantrums is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some strategies for setting clear boundaries and using positive reinforcement to reduce the likelihood of tantrums:
Establish a Routine
Toddlers thrive on predictability, so establishing a daily routine can help reduce anxiety and uncertainty. Try to keep mealtimes, naptimes, and bedtimes consistent from day to day. This can help your child feel more secure and reduce the likelihood of tantrums caused by hunger, fatigue, or overstimulation.
Set Clear Boundaries
It’s important to set clear boundaries and expectations for your child’s behavior. Make sure your rules are simple, age-appropriate, and consistently enforced. For example, you might establish a rule that toys stay in the playroom or that shoes need to be worn outside. When your child tests these boundaries, calmly and firmly remind them of the rules.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for shaping your child’s behavior. When your child follows the rules or demonstrates good behavior, be sure to offer praise and rewards. This can be as simple as a hug, a high-five, or a verbal compliment. You can also use stickers, small toys, or special activities as rewards for good behavior.
Offer Choices
Giving your child choices can help them feel more in control and reduce the likelihood of tantrums. For example, you might offer a choice between two outfits or two snack options. This can help your child feel like they have some say in the decision-making process and reduce power struggles.
Distract and Redirect
If your child starts to become upset or agitated, try to distract them with a new activity or toy. Redirecting their attention can help prevent a full-blown tantrum and keep them calm. For example, if your child is getting frustrated with a puzzle, you might suggest switching to a different activity or game.
Practice Calm-Down Techniques
Teaching your child calming techniques can help them manage their emotions and reduce the likelihood of tantrums. For example, you might teach them to take deep breaths, count to ten, or squeeze a stress ball. Practicing these techniques together can help your child feel more confident in their ability to calm down and regulate their emotions.
By setting clear boundaries, using positive reinforcement, and practicing calming techniques, you can help prevent 22 month old temper tantrums and promote healthy emotional development in your child.
Responding to Tantrums: Strategies for De-escalation and Redirection
Even with the best prevention strategies, tantrums can still occur. When they do, it’s essential to respond in a way that de-escalates the situation and helps your child learn healthy emotional regulation skills. Here are some strategies for responding to 22 month old temper tantrums:
Stay Calm and Collected
When your child is having a tantrum, it’s essential to remain calm and composed. Your child is already overwhelmed with emotions, and a heated response from you can exacerbate the situation. Instead, take a deep breath, and speak in a soothing, gentle tone.
Acknowledge Your Child’s Feelings
Tantrums are often a result of unmet needs or overwhelming emotions. Acknowledging your child’s feelings can help them feel understood and validated. For example, you might say, “I know you’re feeling frustrated because you can’t have the toy right now.”
Offer Comfort and Support
Offering comfort and support can help your child feel safe and secure during a tantrum. You might hold them gently, rub their back, or offer a favorite blanket or stuffed animal. This can help soothe their emotions and promote a sense of calm.
Avoid Giving In to Demands
While it can be tempting to give in to your child’s demands to end the tantrum, doing so can reinforce negative behavior. Instead, stick to your boundaries and rules, and offer alternatives when possible. For example, if your child is having a tantrum because they want a candy bar, you might offer a piece of fruit instead.
Redirect and Distract
Redirecting your child’s attention can help de-escalate a tantrum and prevent future ones. For example, if your child is having a tantrum because they can’t play with a dangerous object, redirect their attention to a safe toy or activity. Distracting them with a new activity or game can also help shift their focus and reduce frustration.
Practice Time-Ins
Time-ins are a positive alternative to time-outs and can help your child learn healthy emotional regulation skills. Instead of sending your child to a corner or another room, sit with them and offer comfort and support. This can help your child feel connected to you and learn to manage their emotions in a healthy way.
Reflect on the Tantrum
After the tantrum has passed, take some time to reflect on what triggered it. Was your child tired, hungry, or overstimulated? Were they struggling to communicate their needs or feelings? Understanding the root cause of the tantrum can help you prevent future ones and promote healthy emotional development in your child.
By responding to 22 month old temper tantrums with de-escalation and redirection strategies, you can help your child learn healthy emotional regulation skills and reduce the likelihood of future tantrums.
Staying Calm and Consistent: Tips for Parents to Manage Their Emotions
Dealing with 22 month old temper tantrums can be challenging, especially when it comes to managing your own emotions. It’s natural to feel frustrated, angry, or helpless during a tantrum, but it’s essential to stay calm and consistent to help your child learn healthy emotional regulation skills. Here are some tips for managing your emotions during a tantrum:
Take a Deep Breath
When you feel yourself getting overwhelmed, take a deep breath. This can help you regulate your own emotions and respond to your child in a calm and composed manner.
Use Positive Self-Talk
Positive self-talk can help you stay calm and focused during a tantrum. Remind yourself that your child’s behavior is normal for their age and that you’re doing your best to help them learn healthy emotional regulation skills.
Avoid Escalation
Avoid engaging in power struggles or escalating the situation. Instead, try to de-escalate the situation by speaking softly and calmly.
Practice Self-Care
Taking care of yourself is essential for managing your emotions during tantrums. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and engaging in regular exercise. This can help you feel more centered and better able to manage stress.
Seek Support
Don’t be afraid to seek support from friends, family, or a professional if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Talking to someone about your feelings can help you feel less isolated and better equipped to manage challenging situations.
Be Consistent
Consistency is key when it comes to managing 22 month old temper tantrums. Make sure you’re enforcing boundaries and rules consistently, and offering positive reinforcement for good behavior. This can help your child feel more secure and promote healthy emotional development.
Practice Patience
Patience is essential when dealing with tantrums. Remember that your child is still learning how to manage their emotions, and that it takes time and practice to develop healthy emotional regulation skills.
By staying calm and consistent, you can help your child learn healthy emotional regulation skills and reduce the likelihood of future tantrums. Remember to take care of yourself, seek support when needed, and practice patience and consistency in your interactions with your child.
Seeking Support: When to Consult a Professional or Seek Additional Help
While 22 month old temper tantrums are a normal part of a child’s development, there may be times when it’s necessary to seek additional help. Here are some signs that it might be time to consult a professional:
- Persistent and frequent tantrums: If your child’s tantrums are happening multiple times a day, every day, and are lasting for an extended period, it may be a sign that they are struggling to regulate their emotions.
- Aggressive behavior: If your child is becoming physically aggressive during tantrums, such as hitting, kicking, or biting, it’s important to seek professional help. This behavior can be harmful to both your child and others around them.
- Self-harm: If your child is harming themselves during tantrums, such as head-banging or scratching, it’s crucial to seek professional help immediately.
- Interference with daily life: If your child’s tantrums are interfering with their daily life, such as preventing them from attending school or social events, it may be a sign that they need additional support.
- Parental stress: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or burnt out from managing your child’s tantrums, it’s important to seek additional help. Parental stress can have a negative impact on both you and your child.
There are many resources available for parents who are struggling with 22 month old temper tantrums. Here are some options to consider:
- Pediatrician: Your child’s pediatrician can be a valuable resource for addressing tantrums. They can provide guidance on managing tantrums, as well as rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to your child’s behavior.
- Mental health professional: A mental health professional, such as a child psychologist or therapist, can provide additional support and guidance for managing tantrums. They can help you and your child develop healthy emotional regulation skills and address any underlying emotional or behavioral issues.
- Parenting classes or support groups: Parenting classes or support groups can provide a safe and supportive space for you to connect with other parents who are dealing with similar challenges. They can offer guidance on parenting strategies, as well as provide a sense of community and validation.
- Online resources: There are many online resources available for parents who are dealing with 22 month old temper tantrums. Websites, blogs, and forums can provide valuable information, advice, and support from other parents and experts.
Remember, seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you’re struggling with 22 month old temper tantrums, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are many resources available to support you and your child on your parenting journey.
Promoting Emotional Intelligence: Long-Term Strategies for Toddler Development
Promoting emotional intelligence in your 22-month-old toddler can help reduce the frequency and intensity of temper tantrums. Emotional intelligence refers to a child’s ability to understand, use, and manage their own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges, and defuse conflict.
Here are some long-term strategies for promoting emotional intelligence in your toddler:
1. Model Emotional Intelligence
As a parent, you are your child’s most important role model. Modeling emotional intelligence in your own behavior can help your child learn how to manage their emotions effectively. Show your child how to express their feelings in healthy ways, such as using words to describe their emotions, taking deep breaths to calm down, and finding positive solutions to problems.
2. Encourage Empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Encouraging empathy in your toddler can help them develop healthy relationships and manage conflicts. You can promote empathy by talking about other people’s feelings, pointing out examples of kindness and compassion, and encouraging your child to comfort others when they are upset.
3. Teach Emotion Labels
Teaching your toddler to label their emotions can help them understand and manage their feelings. You can start by using simple emotion labels, such as “happy,” “sad,” “angry,” and “afraid.” As your child becomes more proficient, you can introduce more complex emotions, such as “frustrated,” “disappointed,” and “excited.”
4. Provide Opportunities for Practice
Providing opportunities for your toddler to practice emotional regulation skills can help them develop these skills over time. You can create opportunities for practice by setting aside time for imaginative play, offering choices, and encouraging your child to help with simple tasks.
5. Offer Positive Feedback
Offering positive feedback when your toddler manages their emotions effectively can help reinforce these behaviors. Be sure to acknowledge your child’s efforts, even if they are small. For example, you might say, “I noticed that you took a deep breath when you were feeling angry. That was a great way to calm down!”
6. Be Patient
Promoting emotional intelligence in your toddler takes time and patience. Remember that your child is still learning how to manage their emotions, and that setbacks are a normal part of the process. Stay consistent, offer support, and celebrate your child’s successes along the way.
By promoting emotional intelligence in your 22-month-old toddler, you can help them develop healthy emotional regulation skills that will serve them well throughout their life. Remember to model emotional intelligence, encourage empathy, teach emotion labels, provide opportunities for practice, offer positive feedback, and be patient. With time and effort, you can help your child become a confident, emotionally intelligent individual.
In conclusion, 22 month old temper tantrums are a normal part of a child’s development, driven by cognitive, language, emotional, and physical growth. While they can be challenging to manage, there are many strategies that parents can use to prevent and respond to tantrums effectively. By setting clear boundaries, using positive reinforcement, and practicing calming techniques, parents can help prevent tantrums and promote healthy emotional development in their child. When tantrums do occur, parents can respond with de-escalation and redirection strategies, such as staying calm, acknowledging feelings, offering comfort and support, avoiding giving in to demands, redirecting and distracting, practicing time-ins, and reflecting on the tantrum.
It’s also essential for parents to manage their own emotions during tantrums, by taking deep breaths, using positive self-talk, avoiding escalation, practicing self-care, seeking support, being consistent, and practicing patience. If tantrums become persistent, frequent, aggressive, or interfere with daily life, it may be necessary to seek additional help from a pediatrician, mental health professional, parenting class, support group, or online resource.
Finally, promoting emotional intelligence in your toddler can help reduce the frequency and intensity of temper tantrums. By modeling emotional intelligence, encouraging empathy, teaching emotion labels, providing opportunities for practice, offering positive feedback, and being patient, parents can help their child develop healthy emotional regulation skills that will serve them well throughout their life. With the right strategies and support, parents can turn the “Terrible Twos” into a time of growth, learning, and connection.
