If you’re a parent of a 19-month-old, you’ve probably experienced your fair share of tantrums. At this age, toddlers are still learning how to communicate their needs and wants, which can lead to frustration and meltdowns. While it’s completely normal for your 19-month-old to throw tantrums, it’s important to know how to handle them in a way that’s both effective and nurturing.
Tantrums can be triggered by a variety of things, such as being tired, hungry, or overwhelmed. It’s important to try and identify the root cause of the tantrum so you can address it appropriately. For example, if your toddler is throwing a tantrum because they’re tired, try putting them down for a nap or offering a quiet activity.
It’s also important to remember that tantrums are a way for your toddler to express their emotions. While it can be difficult to deal with a screaming, crying toddler, try to stay calm and understanding. Validate their feelings by saying things like “I know you’re upset” or “You’re feeling frustrated.” This will help your toddler feel heard and understood, which can go a long way in calming them down.
In this article, we’ll explore some strategies for taming toddler tantrums and help you survive meltdowns at 19 months. From understanding the triggers to implementing effective coping mechanisms, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in!
Understanding Toddler Tantrums: Why They Happen
Tantrums are a normal part of a child’s development, and 19 month old throwing tantrums is not an uncommon occurrence. At this age, toddlers are still learning how to communicate their needs and wants, and when they can’t find the words or can’t make themselves understood, they may become frustrated and upset, leading to a tantrum.
Here are some common reasons why 19 month old throwing tantrums may occur:
- Frustration: As mentioned, toddlers are still learning how to communicate and express themselves. When they can’t do something they want to do, or they can’t have something they want, they may become frustrated and have a tantrum.
- Fatigue: Toddlers need a lot of sleep, and when they don’t get enough, they can become overtired and cranky. This can lead to tantrums and meltdowns.
- Hunger: Just like adults, toddlers can become irritable when they’re hungry. Make sure your child is eating regular, nutritious meals and snacks to help prevent hunger-related tantrums.
- Overstimulation: Too much noise, activity, or excitement can be overwhelming for a toddler. When they become overstimulated, they may have a tantrum to release the excess energy and stress.
- Change in routine: Toddlers thrive on routine and predictability. When there is a change in their routine, such as a new babysitter or a trip to the doctor, they may become upset and have a tantrum.
It’s important to remember that tantrums are a normal part of a toddler’s development, and they are not a reflection of your parenting skills. By understanding why tantrums happen, you can better equip yourself to handle them when they do occur. In the next section, we’ll discuss some strategies for taming toddler tantrums and helping your child (and you) through meltdowns.
Recognizing Triggers: Identifying the Causes of Meltdowns
As a parent, it’s essential to understand the triggers that can set off a tantrum in your 19-month-old. By identifying these causes, you can take proactive steps to prevent or mitigate meltdowns. Here are some common triggers to look out for:
- Physical discomfort: Hunger, thirst, or tiredness can all contribute to a toddler’s irritability and lead to tantrums. Ensure your child is well-rested, fed, and hydrated to minimize the likelihood of tantrums.
- Emotional overload: Toddlers can quickly become overwhelmed by their emotions, especially if they’re experiencing strong feelings like frustration, anger, or sadness. Validate your child’s emotions by acknowledging their feelings and helping them find appropriate ways to express themselves.
- Environmental factors: Loud noises, bright lights, or crowded spaces can all be overwhelming for a toddler. If you’re in a busy or noisy environment, try to find a quieter, calmer space where your child can relax and regroup.
- Unmet needs: Toddlers may have tantrums when their needs aren’t being met. This could be a need for attention, comfort, or stimulation. Make sure you’re attuned to your child’s needs and responding appropriately to help prevent tantrums.
- Change in routine: As mentioned earlier, toddlers thrive on routine and predictability. Any changes to their usual routine can trigger a tantrum. If you know a change is coming, prepare your child in advance and explain what’s going to happen.
By recognizing these triggers, you can take steps to prevent or manage tantrums before they escalate. In the next section, we’ll explore some strategies for coping with tantrums when they do occur.
Strategies for Prevention: Tips to Reduce the Likelihood of Tantrums
While it’s impossible to prevent all tantrums, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of them occurring. Here are some strategies for prevention:
- Establish a routine: As mentioned, toddlers thrive on routine and predictability. Establishing a daily routine can help your toddler feel more secure and reduce the likelihood of tantrums caused by changes in routine.
- Encourage communication: Help your toddler learn to communicate their needs and wants by teaching them simple words and phrases. This can help reduce frustration and the likelihood of tantrums.
- Offer choices: Giving your toddler choices can help them feel more in control and reduce the likelihood of tantrums caused by feeling powerless. For example, you could offer them a choice between two different snacks or two different activities.
- Set clear boundaries: While it’s important to be flexible, it’s also important to set clear boundaries and expectations for your toddler. This can help reduce tantrums caused by confusion or uncertainty.
- Prevent overstimulation: Be mindful of your toddler’s surroundings and try to prevent overstimulation. This might mean avoiding crowded places or turning down the volume on the TV.
- Ensure your toddler is well-rested: Make sure your toddler is getting enough sleep and rest. A tired toddler is more likely to have tantrums, so ensure they’re getting enough sleep at night and taking regular naps during the day.
- Offer healthy snacks: Hunger can be a trigger for tantrums, so make sure your toddler is eating regular, healthy snacks throughout the day.
By implementing these strategies, you can help reduce the likelihood of tantrums and create a more peaceful, harmonious home environment. Remember, tantrums are a normal part of a toddler’s development, and while they can be challenging, they are also an opportunity to teach your child important emotional regulation skills.
Coping Techniques: How to Respond During a Tantrum
When your 19-month-old is throwing a tantrum, it’s essential to respond in a way that’s both effective and nurturing. Here are some coping techniques to help you navigate those challenging moments:
Stay Calm and Patient
It’s crucial to remain calm and patient during a tantrum. Your toddler is already overwhelmed by their emotions, and your frustration or anger can exacerbate the situation. Take a deep breath, and remind yourself that this is a normal part of your toddler’s development.
Validate Their Feelings
Validate your toddler’s feelings by acknowledging their emotions. You can say things like, “I know you’re upset” or “You’re feeling frustrated.” This will help your toddler feel heard and understood, which can go a long way in calming them down.
Offer Comfort and Support
Offer your toddler comfort and support during a tantrum. You can hold them gently, rub their back, or offer a hug. This can help your toddler feel safe and secure, which can help them regulate their emotions.
Distract and Redirect
If possible, distract and redirect your toddler’s attention away from the trigger of the tantrum. You can introduce a new activity, toy, or object to divert their focus. This can help your toddler shift their emotional state and move past the tantrum.
Set Boundaries and Limits
While it’s essential to validate your toddler’s emotions, it’s also important to set boundaries and limits. If your toddler is throwing a tantrum because they can’t have something they want, it’s okay to say no. Be firm, but gentle, and explain why they can’t have what they want.
Practice Self-Care
Tantrums can be challenging and emotionally draining for parents. It’s essential to practice self-care and take care of your emotional needs. Take a break if you need to, and reach out to a supportive friend or family member for help and support.
Remember, coping with tantrums takes practice and patience. By responding in a calm, supportive, and nurturing way, you can help your toddler regulate their emotions and develop important emotional regulation skills.
Seeking Support: When to Reach Out for Help
While tantrums are a normal part of a toddler’s development, there may be times when you need additional support and guidance. Here are some signs that it may be time to reach out to a healthcare professional or a child development expert:
- Frequency and Intensity of Tantrums: If your toddler’s tantrums are becoming more frequent, intense, or lasting for extended periods, it may be a sign of a more significant issue.
- Self-Harm or Aggression: If your toddler is harming themselves or others during a tantrum, it’s essential to seek professional help immediately.
- Interference with Daily Life: If your toddler’s tantrums are interfering with their daily life, such as preventing them from attending school or social events, it may be time to seek support.
- Parental Stress: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or struggling to cope with your toddler’s tantrums, it’s essential to reach out for help. Parental stress can have a significant impact on your relationship with your child and their overall development.
Remember, seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. There are many resources available to help parents of toddlers, including parenting classes, support groups, and therapy. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted healthcare professional or child development expert if you need additional guidance and support.
It’s important to remember that every child is unique, and what works for one child may not work for another. By understanding the triggers, implementing prevention strategies, and using effective coping techniques, you can help your toddler regulate their emotions and develop important emotional regulation skills. With patience, practice, and support, you can survive meltdowns at 19 months and beyond.
Promoting Emotional Intelligence: Long-Term Strategies for Tantrum Management
While managing immediate tantrums is important, promoting emotional intelligence in your 1
In conclusion, if you’re a parent of a 19-month-old, you’re likely no stranger to tantrums. While it’s completely normal for your toddler to throw tantrums, it’s important to know how to handle them in a way that’s both effective and nurturing. By understanding the triggers, such as frustration, fatigue, hunger, overstimulation, and changes in routine, you can take proactive steps to prevent or mitigate meltdowns.
When tantrums do occur, it’s important to stay calm and understanding, validate your toddler’s feelings, and offer comfort and support. Distracting and redirecting your toddler’s attention, setting boundaries and limits, and practicing self-care are also important coping techniques.
However, if you find that your toddler’s tantrums are becoming more frequent, intense, or interfering with their daily life, it may be time to seek additional support and guidance from a healthcare professional or child development expert.
Promoting emotional intelligence in your toddler is also crucial for long-term tantrum management. By teaching your toddler how to identify and express their emotions, helping them develop problem-solving skills, and modeling healthy emotional regulation, you can set them up for success in managing their emotions as they grow and develop.
Remember, parenting is a journey, and every child is unique. With patience, practice, and support, you can navigate the challenges of toddler tantrums and help your child develop important emotional regulation skills.
