How do you stop a 21 month old tantrums?

Question

My 21 month old son throws himself on the floor and screams whenever he doesnt get what he wants. I tried ignoring him, but he still seems like he throws more and and more each other. This occurs at least 10 times a day. I tried time outs but he just screams until I come back. He doesn't listen or maybe even understand when I explain why he cant do something. I'm getting fustrated. Any suggestions on how to get him to stop?

Answer 1

keep doing the time out thing or ignore him. if he cries for a while, let him cry. its not gonna hurt him but do make sure you explain that what he is doing is wrong so he knows.

Answer 2

My son did that for awhile.

I'd get down on his level, grab his hands, look him in the eyes and say, "we don't act like that".

Then I try to redirect him.

Like saying, "Would you like to watch Barney?" or "Do you want to color?" Anything to get his mind off what it is that he's upset about.

The big thing is not to mention whatever it is that he wants.

Two year olds have sort attention spans, they forget what it was they were upset about real fast.

If he still continued to fuss, I'd say, "Would you like to color or do you want to go to time out?"

Usually this works for us.

Good luck

Answer 3

visit http://www.learning-graph.com/teachingdi... for tips on discipling him.

Answer 4

Unfortunately tantrums are a natural thing for toddlers.  They are unable to control their emotions in the same way we do and it is something they learn over time.  Is he having tantrums over the same thing?  If so, remove the offending article.  If it is over everything then consistancy is the key.  I ignored my 2 when they had their outbursts.  I would just tell them that when they were finished I would be in the kitchen waiting for them.  When they came through I would give them a big cuddle and ask if they were okay now.  Just remember to keep telling yourself that they really can't help the outbursts, but you can teach them what is more acceptable.  I agree with teaching your toddler some basic sign language as well - communication issues are the most frustrating of all for a toddler.  They understand so much but are unable to tell you what they want until they have enough 'recognisable' words to do so.  A few simple signs will really help with this - and they are so much fun once they get going :o)

Answer 5

This sounds so familiar to me... for the majority of children simply ignoring these tantrums will give children the insight that their behavior is ineffective and force them to seek out alternative measures.  But with my son this tactic also doesn't work.  I would urge to you start cataloging other symptoms that  your son displays to further explain this behavior.  For instance, is your son violent or a biter?  Are his communication and developmental skills delayed?  It's possible that an occupational therapist may be able to provide more insight as to your son's condition.

Answer 6

Charlotte its not easy. What worked for us was showing love and affection.

Answer 7

I think you need to spank his bottom....it's the old fashion way of discipline and it works...you can keep trying time out but until you let him know that you will not continue to tolerate this behavior then he will just continue to get worse and then when you're in public he will embarrass the mess out of you...the Bible says "spare the rod and spoil the child".  If you don't get control of him now...you will have more problems when he gets a little older...spank him a couple of licks and then sit him down...talk to him in a sturn authoriative voice and let him know that you will not put up with these tantrums anymore....you will have to be consistent...but if you don't let him know whose boss it's really going to wear you out.  Once he has sat for a little bit...go over to him...get down on his level and look into his eyes...and tell him...mommy loves you but you can't act like that anymore..hug on him ....then tell him to go play... repeat as needed....Good luck...

Answer 8

Yep be consistent, just keep doing exactly as you have been doing. It may take quite a while but hopefully you will outlast him in the end. Just do it with love in your heart and in your voice and actions. Lots of hugs n kisses  along with 'I love you' as you discipline him. That will eventually win him over.

Answer 9

I let them ride them out & completely ignore them.

I refuse to intervene because I have had my nose broken twice by my children in tantrums.

If my kids want to look like silly billys that is there problem. Just keep ignoring them,they do fade out eventually.

Just walk into another room, and leave him to be.

Answer 10

Ignoring is really the best way.  Try this (worked with my kids)...look at him and say "this is not how we behave) and walk away.  If he follows you, ignore and go to the bathroom.  Just ignore.  Once he is settled down (this could take a VERY long time) immediately tell him, Thank you for calming down, this is the behavior I like.

Answer 11

The tantrums he has now has to do with when he was 12 months or 14 months and when he cried about something he didnt NEED he just WANTEd you gave it to him. Most kids you can tell when they are faking it and when they are really hurt upset need something./

Not saying that you did this and not meaning to suond rude. but continue to ignore him. if he cries and screams in teh corner and in time out no matter how hard it is continue to ignore him, and put on some jazz music or something peaceful and calming

best of luck

Answer 12

Stop lecturing him about why he can't do something.  He isn't even two years old, he doesn't understand your lecturing.  So he screams during time outs...let him scream.  If the tantrums get back put him in his bedroom with a child gate in his doorway and walk away.  He is only 21 months, not 21 years old.  He doesn't think like an adult he thinks like a toddler.