This post is sponsored by Happy Family Yogurt but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
The toddler years are some of the most exciting years of a child’s life, but they often come with quite a few tantrums and meltdowns. This is normal and nothing to worry about. Some kids tend to have more meltdowns than others, but I’ve figured out that most meltdowns can be mitigated if I can figure out what they are about!
Just like babies toddlers have a hard time expressing their needs because they don’t know all the words yet. These 5 Tips for Preventing Toddler Meltdowns are easy ways to figure out the common triggers for meltdowns and possibly even prevent them from happening!
Tip 1: Let your child help you or be a part of what you are doing.
It’s very common for my little toddler to want to be near me all the time. He’s always been the one hanging on my leg when I am trying to get chores done. The good thing with the toddler age is that they can start to do a lot of things with you! I often let my toddler hand me clothing to wash, help with the gardening or I’ll even have him put ingredients into a bowl. As your toddler grows they can do so much more (with proper supervision of course). This gives them a great sense of accomplishment and I’ve found it definitely prevents meltdowns as well!
2. Playing with friends or family
There is quite a big age gap with my kids and so I have to make sure that they are all spending a little time together everyday. The older ones are great at playing with the younger ones and I know my toddler especially enjoys the attention his older siblings give. He also loves to play with kids his age too. Toddler are social just like adults and crave that playtime!
3. Hands on Activities
Sitting in front of the tube or spending time on electronic devices may only hold off a tantrum because it doesn’t really solve the boredom. Hands on activities are perfect for toddlers and they will truly exercise their thinking skills! Things like edible modeling doughs, stacking blocks, coloring and many others are the perfect solution for a toddler’s mind. Toddlers will often get bored and then have a meltdown… so have something they can do ready to go!
4. Naptime
My little one would try to set a record of not sleeping if I let him! He’s all go go go!!! I know his brain often needs a much needed rest and so I make sure he gets one nap in the afternoons or I know there will be plenty of meltdowns later. This is sometimes hard to do when he wants to play with his older siblings, but eventually he usually settles down.
5. Provide Wholesome Snacks and Drinks
Toddlers don’t go too long between meals before getting that rumbly in their tummies. They are also like adults in that they often forget to drink throughout the day. I make sure to have plenty of wholesome snacks and drinks ready for him so that he doesn’t have to wait too long in between meals. We love easy to eat snacks like the Happy Tot Whole Milk Yogurt pouches or fruits and veggies. My toddler loves to feel a sense of independence and he can eat the Happy Tot yogurt without making too much of a mess. It fills his tummy with Whole Milk Yogurt and Vitamin D. It also has no added sweeteners, is non-GMO and is USDA certified organic. My toddler always feels much better after eating and drinking something!
It’s our favorite yogurt now and I feel good that he’s not getting any added sweeteners with it! We get the Happy Tot yogurt pouches from Walmart and you can find them in the refrigerator section of the store.
You can find an Ibotta offer for the Happy Tot yogurt too! It’s easy to see why it’s our fave yogurt!
What are your favorite ways to calm down a toddler and prevent meltdowns?