Between the age of 2-3 years, emotional development in children is extremely rapid since they begin to comprehend situations and become more expressive about their likes and dislikes. Their need for attention and interaction increases manifolds.
Attention seeking is the most visible emotional development change in your toddler at this age. It can take different forms and having a tantrum is often one of them. Tantrums can be due to changes, lack of communication or a learned response from siblings, peers and friends. They are also linked to a child’s inability to communicate effectively.
It’s very important to understand why your child is behaving in a manner that appears antisocial. The tantrum can be for something that your child wants immediately. A toddler doesn’t understand that there are some things that he can’t have.
Let them be on their own for a while
Children need quiet time to be imaginative and creative. Alone time makes them self-reliant, stimulates new ideas and builds self-esteem. Having said that, children also have a huge emotional need for lots of attention. Negative or positive – children are often fine by just having your attention towards them. Your goal should be to pay attention to your child at that moment.
By this age, children also become slightly independent and are reasonably comfortable when separated from you with a familiar caregiver or family member for an extended period of time. The actual key lies in the fact that if you show your children that you are confident in his/her ability to manage in your absence, they will feel less anxious and will be excited upon your return.
How you handle separation will also convey to your child what is expected of him? If you are anxious, hesitant or scared of leaving your toddler behind, he may pick up on this emotion, which might make it more difficult for him to feel confident without you.
One of the challenges of parenting is being attuned to your child so that you can accommodate his needs as they change.
Try to ignore the negative behaviour, and be extremely generous in praising and rewarding good behaviour.
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