Tantrums. They’re loud, emotional, and—let’s be honest—completely normal. If you’re the parent of a toddler, chances are you’ve experienced at least a few epic meltdowns over broken crackers, the “wrong” color cup, or a transition they weren’t ready for. At Brookshire Learning Center, we want to reassure you that tantrums are a typical part of healthy child development—and we’re here to offer support and solutions.
This blog will help you understand why tantrums happen, how they’re managed in quality childcare settings, and what you can do at home to turn power struggles into learning moments.
Why Do Toddlers Have Tantrums?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), tantrums are a normal way for toddlers to express frustration and test boundaries as they grow more independent. They often happen when:
- Language skills haven’t caught up with emotions
- Routines change unexpectedly
- Needs (like hunger, tiredness, or overstimulation) aren’t being met
- Transitions feel too fast or out of their control
The AAP emphasizes that tantrums are not “bad behavior” but an expression of big feelings in small bodies.
How Brookshire Learning Center Handles Tantrums
At Brookshire, our approach is developmentally appropriate, calm, and focused on helping children build emotional regulation skills over time.
Here’s what we do:
- Stay calm and present: Our educators model emotional regulation by responding with patience and consistency.
- Acknowledge emotions: “You’re feeling really upset that we have to clean up. That’s hard.”
- Offer choices and control: “Would you like to hold the book or the bear during storytime?”
- Use visual schedules and cues: These tools support smooth transitions and reduce anxiety.
- Provide a quiet space: Children are given time to calm down in a safe, cozy space without punishment.
- Reflect afterward: Once calm, we revisit what happened and practice using words for feelings.
These techniques align with best practices from NAEYC and support important social-emotional milestones.
Easy, Age-Appropriate Strategies for Home
Consistency between home and daycare helps toddlers feel secure and supported. Here are some simple strategies you can use at home:
- Stay Consistent: Set clear expectations, and stick to your routines as much as possible. Predictability reduces power struggles.
- Offer Choices: Giving toddlers safe control helps prevent tantrums: “Do you want the red socks or the blue ones?”
- Name Their Feelings: Help toddlers build emotional vocabulary: “You’re mad because we have to leave the park.”
- Practice Deep Breathing: Model “smelling the flower” and “blowing out the candle” to calm the body.
- Catch the Calm Moments: Praise your child when they handle a situation well: “You waited your turn so patiently!”
- Keep Snacks and Naps on Track: Hungry or overtired toddlers are much more likely to melt down.
- Be Patient With Progress: Emotional regulation takes time and repetition. Tantrums decrease as brain development increases.
Tantrums can feel overwhelming but they’re also a powerful opportunity for teaching, bonding, and growing. At Brookshire Learning Center, we see every meltdown as a chance to guide toddlers toward confidence, communication, and calm. When children know they’re safe, heard, and supported, they learn to manage big emotions with growing skill.
Need more guidance? Reach out anytime or schedule a tour. We’re here to support your child and family!