Expert Advice for Toddler
My 18-month-old daughter's temper tantrums include throwing herself back, hitting me, and screaming. Now she also slaps herself in the face and pulls her own hair. I don't spank her. I have tried to ignore her, but nothing has worked. It really bothers me that she is starting to hurt herself. She has also bitten her arm in the past, but hasn't done that in a long time. I don't know what to do.
- Jenny, Hawkeye, IA
Jeff Winckler, Educator, Father, says:
Many toddlers throw temper tantrums. It is a typical stage of child development. Both mental and motor skills develop more quickly than a child's ability to communicate. A child will throw a tantrum because he or she doesn't yet have the verbal skills to express frustration. Hitting, screaming, and biting are all form of expression. Give your child verbal cues, and use body language that indicates tantrums are not acceptable. This is essential when you anticipate a tantrum is coming. You want to try and minimize triggers and anticipate when you can. Once the tantrum happens, your instinct to ignore is a good one. Stick with it. You send a clear message when you ignore their fits or walk away.
