Hello,
Looking for some advice on how to stay calm when my toddler (just turned 2) is aggressive towards me.
It's usually when he's tired/overwhelmed/disappointed/having a tantrum, but he will grab my face and squeeze it really hard, or launch himself at me and bite as hard as he can. This behaviour is on top of the regular toddler tantrums about his bread being cut wrong or having something he doesn't like on his plate.
I generally say something sharp/loud like "ouch! I don't like that! It hurts!" As well as removing his hands/teeth from me and going to a different room (while he pursues me and tries to grab me). And swap out with my husband if he's around.
But I find it really stressful and I end up feeling really angry and upset in a way that I struggle to stay calm. Trying to fend off a shouting, biting toddler is not easy. A few days ago I really shouted at him, which was not great. And I think he gets stressed if he can see I am on the edge of losing my temper.
Any tips on staying calm in the moment? I don't want to be a shout mummy!