Kyle had his first bona-fide tantrum* last night. It was a doozy. I tried to remember everything I’ve read about handling tantrums, and I think we did okay. I felt really sorry for him, though. He was crying with rage and heaving sobs. I don’t even know what set him off.
*This photo is not from the tantrum. It’s from weeks ago, during less stressful times.
Hmmm. Luke had one of those at nap time today. I think it was because he was overtired. He wanted to sleep with his hat and shoes on – I conceded the hat.
I use SuperNanny’s idea of a “naughty spot” for time outs. It can be anywhere. I also use the words “happy choice” and “sad choice” (an idea from a friend – it just sounds better than good and bad).
Just be consistent. It’s hard, though, when you can’t figure out what the problem is and you feel sorry for them (even harder, though, when you are mad and at the end of your rope!).
Maybe he’s really upset that poor little Suri is gonna have to grow up in that whacked-out family?
Does NyQuil work on them? Tequilla? Valium?
Oh wait … those are probably bad.
I don’t have kids, can you tell?
I used to date a girl who had a 2 year old. When he would throw a fit I found it easiest to just give him what he wanted.
Am I helping yet?
I’m kidding.
I would read to him. I don’t know why he liked it, but he did. Probably just the voice and sitting in my lap. But it worked.
oh, the tantrum! i try to ignore them until they go away. which actually usually works. if she doesn’t think i can hear her, she stops screaming so darn hard. but yet they come back again another day.
good luck! and even with a sad face he’s adorable.
The first of MANY! I have a HILARIOUS one of my girl on video. Evil to videotape a toddler having a tantrum, I know, but so funny to watch! It doesn’t matter what set him off. It doesn’t have to be much in our world to be huge in theirs!
Oh I have seen that face…how I have seen that face. Poor little dude!
Just wanted to mention that I am linkloving you tomorrow. Love your blog! 🙂
Yes, Cosette has had a few of those too, and she actually had one at daycare yesterday for the first time ever. What was it about yesterday?
First, I’m in the hot-as-hell San Fernando Valley with ya, feelin’ your pain. Oy.
Second, I remember my little one’s first mondo-major tantrum, like it was 5 months, 1 day, and 45 minutes ago. It was her 2nd birthday. And when we cut the b-day cake, she let loose.
We looked at each other, the better half and I, and could not figure out ‘what up’. The red-faced tantrum was monumental, epic in proportion. We had to set her aside to let it out for a few minutes. Finally, we figured out that she had been serving herself in daycare and wanted to cut the cake. We had prevented that. We were bad, bad parents…
It was sad because we almost wanted to laugh but were so concerned about what the problem was.
Trying times these terrible two’s.
Oh no he is officially a toddler!
Good luck with the tantrums, I try to never say bad to a child, I will say that they are being bold.