Dealing with tantrums and what’s normal

[SGChome20]

This is semi light hearted as I know tantrums are completely developmentally normal and probably shows that my DD 18 months is trying hard to communicate but holy hell!! How many tantrums is normal in a day??? My DD seems to kick off for the slightest thing and she flails about like a fish out of water each time. I’m worried she’s going to hit her head and hurt herself. Sometimes she bangs her head off the hardwood floor…on purpose!!

I am also due baby 2 in September and generally my patience is a bit thin on the ground during pregnancy. I find after I’ve dealt with the toddler that I have zero time for anyone else and woe betide anyone that pisses me off in the immediate aftermath of a tantrum.

I think I’m just looking for a bit of solidarity and reassurance mainly but also what is best to do during a tantrum? Should I ignore it, try and distract her??

please don’t say ‘just wait till she’s older and really kicking off’ I’m tired and don’t want to hear about how much harder it might get.

I did baby signing with my 2 x dd's. Significantly less tantrums than their older siblings!

@Holidayroundthecorner how did you start this off? Did you just say the word and do the action at the same time?

I do try and have simple signs for ‘all done’ ‘more’ but she doesn’t seem to respond much. Yet when I say do you want your dinner? She’ll walk over to her high chair so she clearly understands a lot of the words.

I went to a class at first them ordered a book off ebay
Second hand. Older dd was 20 months and younger 5 months. Within a few days older one knew a few food related ones!!

Hi, this sounds exactly like my situation. Our DD is 19 months and I due in October with our second. I’m at my wits end with the tantrums. Anything and nothing sets her off although it’s mainly around food. She’ll be fine one second and the next she’s throwing the bowl across the room or will grab all the food in her fists. She bangs her head in frustration against things too. It’s so difficult to know what the right thing to do is and if it’s all normal. Sorry you’re experiencing this as well but I am reassured that I’m not alone!