Raising children is quite a challenge, and one of them is dealing with a toddler’s emotions. Every parent is familiar with situations when a child is over-stimulated, crying, screaming or getting angry. At such moments it is crucial to find ways to calm and soothe the child. In this article, we will present proven methods that will help you control your toddler’s emotions and restore harmony in your home.
Why is a child anxious? Causes of excessive agitation
Before we move on to ways to calm a child, it’s worth understanding the causes of his restless behavior. Children, especially younger ones, are not always able to identify and name their emotions. They may react with crying, screaming or anger to various stimuli, such as:
- Fatigue and lack of sleep: Fatigue affects a child’s ability to deal with emotions. A toddler who is sleep deprived may be more irritable and prone to frustration.
- Hunger: A hungry child is usually grouchy and crying. Regular meals and healthy snacks will help keep blood sugar levels in check and prevent tantrums.
- Excessive stimuli: Noise, bright lights, crowds of people – all of these can overwhelm a child and lead to overstimulation.
- Emotion regulation problems: Some children have difficulty dealing with emotions such as anger, sadness or fear. They need additional support and learning in this area.
- Illness or pain: a child who is unwell may be more weepy and restless.
- Changes in the environment: A new place, new people, a change in routine – all of these can be stressful for a child and lead to anxious behavior.
How to calm the child? Effective methods
There are many ways to calm your child. It is important to find the methods that work best for your toddler. Below are some proven techniques:
1. create a peaceful environment
- Limit stimuli: Turn off the TV, radio and other sources of noise. Dim the lights and ensure that the room has a calm atmosphere.
- Provide a safe space: Create a special place at home where your child can calm down and relax. It can be a corner with soft pillows, books and favorite toys.
- Contact with nature: Walking outdoors, playing in the park or garden – contact with nature has a soothing effect on the senses and helps to calm down.
2. take care of your child’s physical needs
- Regular meals: Make sure your child eats regularly and healthily.
- Adequate amount of sleep: Make sure your child gets enough sleep.
- Physical activity: Movement is a great way to relieve energy and tension. Encourage your child to run, jump, dance or play on the playground.
3. relaxation techniques
- Deep breathing: Teach your child how to breathe properly – inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth. You can practice breathing techniques together, such as blowing on a feather or soap bubbles.
- Massage: A gentle massage of the back, feet or head can help a child relax.
- Music therapy: Listening to calm classical music or the sounds of nature has a soothing effect on the senses.
- Relaxation bath: A warm bath with essential oils, such as lavender, can help your child calm down before bedtime.
4. communication and empathy
- Name the emotion: Help your child understand what he is feeling. Name his or her emotion: “I see that you are angry/sad/fearful.”
- Active listening: give your child your full attention when he speaks to you. Show him empathy and understanding.
- Positive reinforcement: Praise the child for good behavior and efforts in dealing with emotions.
5. calming games and activities
- Reading books: Reading stories together is a great way to calm down and spend time with your child.
- Putting together a puzzle: Putting together a puzzle requires focus and concentration, which helps you calm down.
- Drawing and painting: Creative art activities allow the child to express his emotions and relax.
- Theater play: Role-playing and role-playing develops imagination and helps manage emotions.
What to avoid?
- Yelling and punishment: Punishing your child for crying or getting angry will only make the situation worse. Instead, focus on understanding the reasons for his behavior and helping him deal with his emotions.
- Ignore emotions: Don’t downplay your child’s feelings. Show him empathy and support.
- Comparisons to other children: Every child is different and develops at his or her own pace. Avoid comparing your child to others.
When to seek the help of a specialist?
If problems with calming the child are frequent and intense, it is worth consulting a specialist, e.g. a child psychologist . Help may also be needed when the child’s behaviour has a negative impact on his or her functioning in the nursery school or school, as well as on relationships with family and peers.
Remember that every toddler is different and what works for one child will not necessarily work for another. The key to success is patience, empathy and adapting methods to your child’s individual needs.
