1) Tiredness
Spot the signs
“You can only expect toddlers to do so much before getting sleepy,” says children’s life coach Naomi Richards (www.thekidscoach.org.uk). “So, if you’ve been out and had a busy day with lots of activities, your little one can become irritable as energy levels are low.” Look for clingy behaviour or swinging from one extreme to another, such as wanting a cuddle and then asking you to go away. Tiredness can easily turn into distress, so you need to nip it in the bud, as soon as you see the signs.
Stop the tantrum
“Sit down together on the sofa for a cuddle to keep the atmosphere calm and relaxed,” suggests Naomi. “Listen to your little one if she’s upset, so she feels you’re there to help.” Relaxing music or her favourite TV show are good for helping your toddler relax, and chances are, she’ll fall asleep half way through and wake up in a better mood!
Try this
Watch your tot’s facial expressions, so you learn when a tiredness tantrum is coming on. “I know one’s on its way when Charlie’s face screws up into a scowl,” says Zoe Ellis-Martin, 27, from Plymouth, mum to Charlie, 3. “It goes from a scowl, to whining then tears if we don’t settle him down.”
