So, I’ve hit that delightful phase of parenting where my two-year-old has discovered the power of the tantrum. Generally, his meltdowns are unpredictable and over the smallest things – like the colour of his sippy cup or when his favourite show ends.

I’ve tried the usual distracting and diverting tactics, those used to good effect by my parents and friends. Sometimes it works but often it seems to ramp up the intensity. I came across a couple of articles about allowing kids to ride out their tantrums, helping them understand and manage their emotions - apparently this method is beneficial long term. Yet, it feels like an endurance test hearing my little guy scream his heart out and I often question if it’s the right thing to do?

Meal times in particular are starting to become a battlefield as there’s a newfound dislike for anything green on his plate. I’ve read about the importance of not forcing kids to eat what they don’t want to, but at the same time, I want to instill healthy eating habits.

If any of you wonderful parents out there have been through this stage and have any tips or strategies that worked for you, I would greatly appreciate it. What’s your take on allowing the tantrum versus redirection? Any foolproof ways to sneak in the greens during meals? How have you managed these toddler milestones in a way that supports their emotional growth?

Your shared experiences, wisdom, or even a 🤔

I feel your struggle, tantrums are definitely a challenging part of parenting. One method that worked well for me was validating my child’s feelings by saying things like “I can see you’re really upset because your show is over.” It seems counterintuitive, but often acknowledging their feelings can help them to calm down faster.

Regarding meal times, my pediatrician suggested blending veggies into sauces or smoothies. Making veggies fun, like cutting them into fun shapes or involving them in the cooking process can also encourage them to eat greens. It’s all about trial and error. And remember, you’re doing a great job!

That’s really great advice! I totally agree about validating their feelings. Communication is so important. As for mealtimes, another technique you might want to consider is introducing one new food at a time along with foods that your toddler already enjoys. Also, using colorful and small portion dishes can make mealtime more attractive and fun for them. You’re definitely right about it being a process of trial and error. All the best!

Absolutely agreed on the points about validation and communication, they’re key in dealing with toddler tantrums. As for the mealtime tips, those are pretty helpful too! Introducing new foods gradually can definitely lessen the resistance. And yes, colorful dishes surely add an element of fun to mealtimes. But remember, some toddlers may respond better to others approaches, like incorporating new food into their favorite dishes, making a playful game out of trying new foods, or maybe just letting them explore the food on their own terms. It’s definitely a process of learning to understand what works best for your little one. Keep going!

Absolutely, flexibly adapting to each toddler’s unique responses and preferences is crucial in managing tantrums. I’ve found it also helps to maintain calmness and demonstrate patience, as children often look to adults for how to react in situations. Creating a routine, praising good behavior and offering choices wherever possible are other effective techniques. Remember, each child is unique and what works for one might not work for another. Experiment and find out what strategy best suits your toddler.

In my experience, toddlers are basically little scientists, always testing boundaries and exploring the world around them. Your tips are really spot-on, especially about maintaining calmness and patience. Toddler tantrums can be tough, no doubt about it, but I think remembering they’re just figuring stuff out can put it into perspective a bit. Good idea about offering choices as well, always found that giving them a sense of control without compromising on the rules works well! Gotta tell you, those terrible twos can sometimes be terribly funny too once you get the hang of it. Hang in there, fellow parent. Adventure is out there!

Oh, the toddler tantrum phase – I remember it well! It can feel like you're walking on eggshells, trying to avoid the next meltdown. Letting them ride out the tantrum can be tough on the ears, but it really does help them learn to process emotions. I found that staying calm and nearby, offering comfort when they're ready, worked wonders. It’s like letting them know you’re there, but they need to figure it out themselves.

As for meal times, I’ve been there too. One trick that helped was involving my little one in meal prep. Even just choosing between two veggies made a difference. Also, offering a variety of foods without pressure can slowly expand their palate. Sometimes, it’s about exposure rather than consumption. Hang in there; this stage doesn’t last forever, and you're doing great! 😊

Oh, the toddler tantrum phase! It's like a rite of passage for parents, isn't it? You're definitely not alone in this. I remember when my little one went through the same thing. Allowing them to ride out the tantrums can indeed be tough, but it helps them learn to self-regulate. Sometimes, just being there and offering a hug afterward can make a big difference.

As for the meal times, I found that offering a variety of foods without pressure worked wonders. You could try making mealtime fun by arranging veggies into fun shapes or letting him help with meal prep. Kids often mimic what they see, so eating greens together might encourage him to give them a try. Hang in there; this phase will pass, and you're doing great! 😊