Illustration for the article titled Avoiding Transitional TantrumsPhoto: Anna Kraynova (Shutterstock)

Toddlers get tantrums for all kinds of logical and illogical reasons. A seizure could be triggered for the understandable reason that they are just tired at the end of a long day, or they could be fine and extremely pissed off for a second that you dared pour their milk into the green cup, when They should have known they wanted the blue one. However, there is one thing that a toddler’s parent can rely on: the likelihood of a tantrum at each transition.

A transitional tantrum doesn’t necessarily happen only when a toddler has to leave one place (e.g. the playground) to get to another place (boring old home). Any transition where one thing ends so another can begin can cause a breakdown – even if the thing they start is something they like. That’s because of how Big little feelings points out that young children’s brains do not like to be surprised; The world feels insecure when it doesn’t know what’s going to happen next.

For this reason, it is recommended that the PREP method be used to contain transient tantrums. That is “plan” ahead, “reveal” the plan, “explain” the details, and “put” your toddler on something small. So so::

  • First, to plan in advance. For example, if you have to go to school at 8:15 a.m., don’t wait until 8:11 a.m. to get all of your things together. Doing this will make you feel stressed and rushed, and your toddler will definitely sense that mood.
  • Then, betray the plan. Tell your toddler what’s going on: “We’re going to school at 8:15 am.”
  • Next, to explain the details. Tell everything your toddler can expect: “We’ll have breakfast now, brush our teeth, and get dressed. Next we pack your backpack and do potty training. After that, sit in your car seat and drive to school. “
  • Finally, put Your toddler is responsible for something small. All people want to feel powerful and valued – even small ones. So let your toddler make a pint-sized decision. “Would you like to wear your blue or purple jacket?”

Illustration for the article titled Avoiding Transitional Tantrums

Will this work every time? Of course not, don’t be silly. Sometimes toddlers are just toddlers and scared of having to take a bath even though they knew they had to take a bath.

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But the habit of telling what is next so they know what to expect from their day (and take a little ownership of the transition) helps reduce the surprise factor, and makes it at least a little more enjoyable for them the change .

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