How to deal with tantrums.

[jumpyjan]

DD (nearly 18 months) has just started throwing tantrums - they are very 'OTT' - throwing herself onto floor, stamping feet etc and usually over something really small - normally her wanting to play with something she is not allowed.

I feel very sorry for her as she is having a bit of a time of it at nursery at the moment too as she is 'pushing the boundaries' and trying to see what she can get away with.

The tantrums have started very suddenly and I am not sure how I should be dealing with them. You cannot talk her round when she is in the middle of one so I am ignoring her until she calms down (its all over pretty quickly if I do this) and then I act as if everything is normal when she is finished/give her a cuddle etc.

Whats the best way to handle it? (and when will it be over!)

[TheSmallClanger]

It sounds like you are handling them well, especially if she calms down quickly.
Tantrums do start very suddenly, from what I've heard. It's usually an age/development thing.

[BarbaraWoodlouse]

I have a DD of exactly the same age who has also just started tantrumming over similar issues.

This has also coincided with her refusing to go to sleep without me lying on the floor next to her cot!

I think that ignoring is the recommended strategy but not sure that this can be accomplished when you are trying to get them into the carseat or buggy. I've tried waiting it out but 45 mins in it still hasn't subsided. I've resorted to forcing her which is not great for either of us. You don't feel like such a great parent when you are practically sitting on your screaming child's legs!

Sorry, have crashed your thread somewhat but hopefully we can keep each other sane whilst we wait for others to come along with the advice

[jumpyjan]

Thanks. Yes she has had the odd one when we are out and about and that is much more difficult to deal with. Have had a few episodes of trying to force her into the buggy too!