2.5 year old constant tantrums

[Mumssupportingmums]

Hello!

I know that tantrums are normal part of toddlers, but at the moment everything feels like a battle.

constant screaming matches - especially during transitions… sitting down for breakfast, getting in and out car, leaving places.

Alot of our friends aren’t experiencing them to this level and just starting to feel it’s out the normal.

what did people find helps their little ones? It’s not so much dealing with the tantrum, just he’s constantly triggered into several a day.

Pick your battles.
Eg does it really matter if their shoes aren't on before getting in the car - take them with you and do it later etc

Prepare them for any transitions if possible eg breakfast is soon/10 minutes, you'll need to pack away/wash your hands/sit down. Breakfast is nearly ready/in 5, put your toy away and come and wash your hands now, ok breakfast is ready. Sit down now. Similar for leaving the house etc.

Ignore tantrums as much as you can
Really praise everything that they do well.

Oh - try and give them a (limited) choice so that they feel that they have some control.
Eg - time to get dressed now - red or blue top today? Do you want peanut butter or Marmite on your toast this morning.

I agree with @Seeline with the pick your battles, and ignore as much as you can.
I don't agree with letting them chose at 2.5 I found giving more choice caused more tantrums.
Good luck.

What worked really well with mine at that age (I know it doesn't work with all toddlers) is the phrase 'I can see your upset and you have something important to tell me but I can't hear your words..... can you take a deep breath and try again?' On repeat until they'd calmed down..... an appropriate version also works quite well on hysterical grown ups! (Much to my sisters later disgust when I used it really effectively on her 😁)

Do to do "when & then" to aid transition.

Getting in and out the car mine likes to climb into the car seat themselves, took longer but far less stressful.

Last couple of weeks you will have had zero usual routine which won't have helped.

Remember that all behaviour is communication. So if he's having a tantrum, there's a reason. This really helped change my mindset and think my DS wasn't just being "naughty". Choices as others have said are good, as well as countdowns until something happens.