Having a toddler means dealing with temper tantrums, but that doesn't mean you have to deal with them non-stop. Temper tantrums are a toddler's way of dealing with the stress around her, whether that stress is emotional, physical or mental, according to MayoClinic.com. While you probably won't be able to eliminate tantrums all together, there are some things you can do to try and prevent them.
Step 1
Plan your activities ahead of time. If you know you're going to be out running errands right when your toddler is getting hungry, pack plenty of snacks and water to keep him from getting hungry.
Step 2
Be consistent with your routines. Kids work well with schedules when it comes to meals, nap time and other routines, so establish patterns and set times of doing things and work hard to stick to them.
Step 3
Set realistic expectations for your toddler. A shopping trip that lasts more than a few hours probably isn't going to hold your toddler's attention or keep her entertained, so don't be surprised or upset when she gets bored.
Step 4
Communicate clearly what you expect from your toddler and establish consequences for poor behavior. When children know there are consequences to their actions, such as being put in time out or losing the privilege of a favorite toy, they will be more likely to behave appropriately.
Step 5
Use a favorite toy or activity to distract your child if you sense a tantrum coming on. Do other things like taking him outdoors or making a silly face to get his mind off what's bothering him.
Step 6
Avoid situations you know are sure to cause a tantrum. For example, if you're at the grocery store, avoid the candy aisle. Don't open the cupboard with the cookies in it until you know your child is not looking.
