A Not-So-Tiny Storm
There is no fury like a toddler who was given the ‘wrong’ cup. Every parent, caregiver, daycare teacher or early childhood educator knows that while toddlers might be tiny, their tantrums are not. While this can be a frustrating experience and some days can feel like you are walking on eggshells, tantrums are actually an important part of early childhood education. As children and adults navigate the meltdown together, these little ones are slowly learning to manage their feelings–a skill that sets them up for success later in life. We can’t have a 20-something year old kicking and screaming on the floor because the grocery store is out of their favorite brand of orange juice. To help parents and caregivers respond constructively and calmly, let’s explore why toddlers have these tantrums in the first place.
Here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center, we understand the ups and downs of toddlerhood. Call today to schedule a tour and see how our lovely educators support the emotional growth of their students.
A Look at the Science
Tantrums aren’t simply “bad behavior” or indicative of an adult’s ability to teach or parent–so don’t go heaping on the embarrassment and guilt for the meltdown your little one had in the grocery store the other day. Tantrums are simply a normal developmental stage. Research from Zero to Three explains that toddlers’ brains are still developing the skills needed for self-control and communication. The emotional center of the brain matures much earlier than the logical, reasoning part, which means toddlers feel huge emotions they can’t yet fully manage or understand. Their world does feel like it’s over because you cut the sandwich wrong and yes they believe it will taste different in triangles vs. rectangles.
Moments of frustration are an opportunity to teach and guide toddlers with patience and care. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports the verbalization of feelings and setting up proper coping strategies that will, over time, lay the proper groundwork for better emotional management from early childhood education and beyond.
Tantrums are a part of toddler life, and here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center we are more than happy to come alongside your family and help your little one grow and learn. Call us up here to schedule a tour and chat with our teachers about their strategies for guiding their students through tantrums.
Common Triggers for Toddler Tantrums
On top of their brain still being in development mode, there are certain triggers that make tantrums a little closer to the surface. By keeping an eye on these very predictable causes, many tantrums can be avoided before they even start.
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Hunger or fatigue – According to the CDC, a tired or hungry toddler is inclined to struggle with keeping their cool. As is a hungry or tired adult, honestly. Hunger or tiredness are not a great recipe for patience.
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Frustration – When a child can’t do something independently, like putting on their own shoes, it can spark tears. They are growing in their independence–which is a great thing!–but when “I do it” becomes “I can’t do it”, sometimes it’s too much for them to process or handle.
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Overstimulation – Too much noise, light, or activity can overwhelm a little one’s developing nervous system, says the NAEYC.
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Desire for independence – Toddlers love saying “No!” because it’s how they test boundaries and assert control. It’s adorable how such a tiny person can be so adamant.
We design our routines to prevent many tantrums before they happen! Visit us here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center and ask about our daily rhythm from classroom to classroom.
Supporting Toddlers Through Tantrums
Parents, daycare and childcare workers and early childhood education teachers can work together to manage tantrums in healthy, constructive ways:
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Stay calm – Children look to adults for cues on how to feel and will easily match your energy. Staying calm encourages your child to be calm, too.
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Validate feelings – Saying “I see you’re angry” helps toddlers feel understood as well as gives them vocabulary to put to their feelings.
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Offer choices – Simple choices (“Do you want the blue cup or the green cup?”) can help reduce power struggles.
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Praise positive behavior – Celebrate when children use the coping skills you’ve taught them instead of screaming or melting down. Your praise goes a long way!
Here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center we are happy to partner with parents and create consistent strategies that work both at home and in the classroom. Schedule a tour today and let’s work together to support your child’s big feelings!
Tantrums are for Teaching
Tantrums may be loud, messy, and exhausting, but they’re also an opportunity for growth. Experts at The Child Mind Institute explain that every tantrum is a chance to practice self-soothing, empathy, and problem-solving skills. With patience, guidance, support from both parents and teachers (and potentially an extra cup of coffee for the adults) toddlers can learn to navigate their emotions in healthy ways. Every meltdown can be a step toward self-control.
Interested in learning how our lovely educators here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center supports children through every stage of growth? Call us today to schedule a tour and both ask our early childhood education teachers how they manage tantrums in their classroom–we are happy to share our experience and expertise!