How Do I Handle Toddler Tantrums?

Toddler tantrums are real. And they can last forever. Learning how to overcome tantrums and address your toddler’s behavior begins with asking some key questions about their behavior to understand what’s going on under the surface.

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Know that you’re not alone. Toddler tantrums are very common in this stage of life. However, it’s worth your attention to how frequent and explosive your toddler’s tantrums really are.

Start with asking some key questions about your toddler’s behavior:

What’s happening physically with my toddler?
Are his or her emotional needs being met?
Are there any deeper, spiritual needs that need my attention?

Here are a few other points of guidance for these situations.

Remember that young children need help controlling their emotions. Your own behavior can provide a good model for how they’re supposed to behave or interact with others.
Time outs can be very effective methods of consequence with toddlers. Try giving your toddler a time out after he or she throws a tantrum.
Try to understand what’s going on under the surface with your toddler. Seek to understand the source of your toddler’s anger.

Toddler tantrums can be complex. But don’t worry, there are practical steps you can take to help navigate them. Here are more resources to help you in these parenting moments.

About the Author

Danny Huerta, Vice President of the Parenting and Youth at Focus on the Family

Danny Huerta, PsyD, MSW, LCSW, LSSW

Vice President, Parenting and Youth

Dr. Huerta oversees Focus’ initiatives that equip mothers and fathers with biblical and research based principles and guidance for raising healthy, resilient children rooted in a thriving faith in Christ.

Dr. Huerta is a bilingual psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, author of 7 Traits of Effective Parenting, and co-author of Focus on the Family’s Age and Stage resource, and various other resources. He is also the co-host and expert on the Focus on Parenting and the Practice Makes Parent podcasts.

For many years, he has provided families with practical, biblically-based, and research-based parenting advice on key parenting topics. He has been interviewed by various media outlets including Fox News, Fatherly, Christianity Today, WORLD Magazine, The Christian Post and CBN, and regularly speaks on Christian radio stations and podcasts across the United States. He’s also written for various publications and is a regular speaker at retreats, conventions, family camps, online events worldwide, and on various social media channels.

Dr. Huerta has maintained a private practice serving families in Colorado Springs since 2003 and has also served families as an employee of Focus on the Family since 2004.

He and his wife, Heather, love the outdoors, have been married since 1997, and love spending time with their two adult children.

More by Danny Huerta, PsyD, MSW, LCSW, LSSW

About the Author

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