#asktheexperts hi.. my 31 month old little girl have high tantrums than usual these days, is these fine?!

Question

Accepted Answer

It sounds like you’re noticing that your 31-month-old daughter’s temperament (I assume you mean tantrums) is more intense or frequent than usual. This can be common in toddlers and may be linked to several factors:

Possible Causes for Increased Tantrums:

1. Developmental Stage: At around 2.5 to 3 years of age, children are going through important developmental milestones. This is when they are becoming more independent, but they may not yet have the emotional regulation skills to handle frustration, making tantrums more frequent.

2. Communication Difficulties: At this age, children are still developing language skills. If they can't express themselves as clearly as they want, it can lead to frustration, which may trigger tantrums.

3. Desire for Control: Toddlers start asserting their autonomy at this age. They may experience a sense of power when saying "no" and resist doing things, which can lead to more outbursts.

4. Changes in Routine or Environment: Any changes in her environment, such as a new sibling, moving to a new home, changes in daily routine, or disruptions, can cause emotional upheaval, resulting in more tantrums.

5. Fatigue or Hunger: If she's not getting enough rest or is hungry, it can affect her mood and patience, leading to increased irritability and tantrums.

6. Teething or Illness: Discomfort from teething or minor illnesses can make a child more sensitive and prone to tantrums.

What You Can Do:

1. Stay Calm: As difficult as it might be, try to stay calm when she has a tantrum. Responding with patience and understanding will help her feel more secure.

2. Provide Choices: Giving your child options can help her feel in control, which may reduce frustration. For example, "Do you want to wear the red shirt or the blue one?"

3. Distraction: Redirecting her attention to a toy or a different activity can sometimes help calm her down during a tantrum.

4. Set Clear Boundaries: While offering choices, it’s still important to establish clear boundaries. Consistent discipline helps her understand what is acceptable behavior.

5. Ensure Adequate Sleep and Nutrition: Make sure she's well-rested and eating regularly, as these factors can play a big role in mood regulation.

When to Seek Help:

If her tantrums are excessive, last longer than usual, or seem out of control, it might be helpful to talk to your pediatrician. Sometimes tantrums are linked to underlying issues such as speech delays, anxiety, or other developmental concerns.

In general, some increased tantrums during this stage are normal as part of her development, but if you're concerned or they seem to escalate, it’s always good to check in with your pediatrician for additional guidance.