You do not have to be afraid of a Toddler Tantrum. We did ask ourselves, where did our little baby boy go? It is so much easier when they are infants to meet their needs. When they hit the toddler stage they want their independence. It truly is a sign of them growing up. They suddenly want to make choices and when they can't have their own way a tantrum occurs. My husband and I are taking the Toddler tantrum stages with a whole new approach. We have asked for advice and have just come up with some tips of our own. The good thing to remember is that First, you're not alone, and Second this phase will not last forever. Thank Goodness for that!

Reasons or sometimes triggers for a Toddler Tantrum

1. Mad and Frustrated.They cannot do something but want to and can't figure out how.
2. Hunger... That's a given. I am not a happy camper when I'm hungry either.
3. Sleepy. When they are tired they can behave badly.
4. Wanting attention. They will take any attention even if it is negative. You know that when they have a toddler tantrum, they think this makes them the "boss". WRONG!!
5. Being told "no" and that they cannot have something. My son really gets angry with this one.

Tips to help avoid a Toddler Tantrum.

• Parents must set a good example for their children. My husband and I live this tip everyday. We do not use foul language at all. We do not get angry and yell and scream at one another. My son does not see bad behavior from us, therefore he won't learn that type of negative behavior.
• Praise Praise and more praise. Praise all of the good behaviors. Let them know they are still behaving correctly. When your toddler listens and does what they are told, praise them. Always praise good behavior, it is so important.
• Include your toddler in decision making. Allow them to help you make choices. For example in the supermarket, maybe ask them what they would like to eat for lunch, or what pajamas they want to wear. Give them their own choices. This truly may help stop a toddler tantrum before it starts.
• Try to avoid situations or places where you know a tantrum is going to occur. If there is a certain place that upsets your toddler, avoid it. Especially if they are not in a good mood that day. You have to sometimes choose your battles. It is not going to be like this forever.

When Tantrums occur and how to deal with them.

• First of all, Relax. This is important Moms and Dads. I know that it is difficult during a toddler tantrum. However, please just try. Toddlers play off of your emotions. They will take any attention even if it's negative. So just walk away and allow them to throw the fit.
• DON"T GIVE INTO THE TANTRUM!!! Whatever you do, do not give the child what they want. This will spoil them. They will think that all I have to do is throw themselves on the ground and scream and yell and they will get what they want. WRONG!! Just tell your toddler in a calm, normal voice " I will not give you what you want because you had a tantrum." Stand by that position. You will be glad you did. I know it's hard. It is so much easier to give into them, then to deal with the fit. I have been there, a toddler tantrum can get bad sometimes. Just remember, it's better for you and your child that you don't give in to their tantrum.
• Ignore the bad behavior. Sometimes this works. If you ignore the toddler tantrum sometimes they will just stop on their own. They may even end up just falling asleep from being so upset.
• Distract their attention. You can divert their attention to something else. You can try and have them help you with a chore. Or else call someone on the phone and allow your toddler to speak to them. These may work, unless it is in an out of control situation. If this is the case then you should consider a Time Out.
• Time out. This method works for our family, and you can start them out as early as 18 months. That way they understand what it means. Start out with a few seconds in time out or as long as the toddler will stay. As time goes on and more time outs are given, longer periods of sitting should be given. The more they are repeatedly put in time out for doing something, the more they will learn that it is something unacceptable and not to do it. It may take time and many time outs before a toddler gets the idea but they do get the idea in the long run.

Toddler Tantrums in the Supermarket

We can all relate huh? Yeah it was so much easier when they were babies and sat in the shopping cart. You could pretty much get all of your shopping done without a fuss. Not anymore and not with a toddler. I could not go to the store without my husband. I needed him to chase our son around the store, while I shopped. I started trying out some things and they really started to work.

Important tips to remember for FUN shopping with your toddler*

1. Put them in the seat of the shopping cart the minute you get in the store. Don't wait. If you let them walk around first then they'll never sit in the cart. I always keep fruit snacks or raisins for him to eat while sitting. You can bring touch and sound books and cars to distract them. Toys that will keep them stimulated. I'll give my son a crayon and a little notebook. He thinks he is crossing off his shopping list just like mommy. This does buy you some time to get your shopping done.
2. Include your toddler in the shopping. Let them get items off the shelf for you and put them in the cart. They can be such good little helpers. This also allows them to help make choices too. They will really enjoy helping!!
3. I tell my little boy that if he is good we will go look at the toy section. Hence the word LOOK. My child doesn't get something every time we go to the store. We do not believe in that. We will only go to the toy section if he is good, and after my shopping is completed. The same if the store has the little cars they can ride or a game room, this works too. Again, tell them they can only go in and ride if they are good, and after the shopping is completed.

Are we having fun yet? No seriously it doesn't have to be that bad. we decided heading into the terrible twos phase that we would look at it differently. So should you. Turn the Terrible Twos into the Terrific Twos, and just try to enjoy your toddler. Before you know it, your toddler will be 16.

Ingrid Lee is a Work At Home Mom and has a 3 year old son. She is the author and web site creator of http://www.Toddlers-Are-Fun.com where you can find more information on parenting toddlers and fun activities. Learn great toddler health tips, nutrition advice and even how to save money while dressing your child. Her site is a great resource for parents with toddlers. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ingrid_Lee