How to tame a screaming ball of fury?

[dodi1978]

DS, almost 23 months. Before dinner, we usually allow him to watch an episode of "Tatas" (Thomas the Tank engine). There is normally a bit of moaning when it is switched off for dinner, but never anything major.

Until today.

Cue a 30 minute long tantrum, rolling on the floor, throwing socks at us, sitting on the stairs and crying (we haven't even introduced a naughty step yet ). Neither ignoring nor trying to comfort worked.

In the end, he didn't have dinner and we struggled to get him undressed for bath. As soon as he hit the water, he was all smiles .

How do you handle major meltdowns?

I usually hold DS until he calms down, which isn't easy when the rage is on.

That sounds fairly typical for my 2yo, maybe twice a month? Overtired is usually the main reason. I take her somewhere safe - usually her bedroom or mine - and let her scream it out, as she won't bear to be touched or cuddled in this state. I can usually tell when she's ready to stop. Bath after always helps to finish the transformation back to smiley happy girl, and a snack. Swiftly followed by early bed and tea.

Thanks both. It was just so odd seeing him turn from his usually happy self to this person who couldn't be consoled by anything, and didn't run out of steam for ages.

This being said, I know I threw terrible tantrums as well at that age...

He hasn't tried escaping from his cot yet, so maybe the next time we might just put him there as it is quite a safe place.