Toddler Meltdowns: Tackling Tiny Tornados with a Smile

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Hey there, Super Moms! It’s been a while since I had my go at parenting toddlers, but I was recently reminded of this by my almost nine-year-old when he let me know he was feeling tangry. How could I not share it here? It’s the thing that got me through toddler meltdowns!

Hangry or tangry? The causes of most toddler meltdowns

That first sentence, in itself, should offer you the encouragement and motivation you need to keep going – because they really do grow so quickly and THIS TOO SHALL PASS. Time doesn’t stand still. The wheel of life must turn… and all that jazz!

If you’ve ever found yourself in the eye of a toddler meltdown storm, you know it can be as perplexing as it is exhausting. These mini-emotional hurricanes can leave us scratching our heads, wondering: Why is my sweet angel suddenly unleashing the fury of a thousand tantrums?

Well, fear not, because I’ve cracked the code! The two main culprits behind those epic meltdowns are often as simple as HANGRY and TANGRY. That’s right. Toddlers usually act up when they are hungry-angry and/or tired-angry. So, grab a cup of tea and let’s dive into the world of toddler emotions, armed with my vast knowledge and experience (Haha!) to conquer the chaos.

Hangry (Hungry-Angry):

Symptoms:

• Whining that could shatter glass.
• Biting, hitting, or general crankiness.
• Refusal to eat the food they once adored.

Solution:

• Snack attacks! Always have a stash of healthy snacks within arm’s reach.
• Keep a consistent meal schedule.
• Engage in mealtime activities – make food fun!

Pro Mom Tip: Get creative with snacks. A carrot is not just a carrot; it’s a crunchy orange spaceship ready to blast off into the hungry abyss!

Tangry (Tired-Angry):

Symptoms:

• Rubbing eyes like a pirate with no patch.
• Unpredictable mood swings.
• Resistance to bedtime routines.

Solution:

• Embrace the power of naps! A well-rested toddler is a happy toddler.
• Stick to a bedtime routine like glue.
• Create a calming bedtime environment – dim lights, soothing music, and maybe a bedtime story.

Pro Mom Tip: Make nap time an adventure. Perhaps their stuffed animal needs a nap too, and they can tuck it in beside them.

The Combo Crisis:

Now, what happens when your little one is both hangry and tangry simultaneously? When they are too tired to eat and too hungry to sleep?! Brace yourself for the combo crisis! It’s like facing a two-headed dragon, but fear not, brave moms, you’ve got this.

Combo Crisis Strategy:

• Deploy the “double-duty” approach: Offer a snack and initiate the wind-down routine simultaneously.
• Carry a toddler-friendly snack pack – a life-saver in the midst of chaos.
• Find a quiet corner for a mini snack-time escape.
• Use a blanket to muffle sight and sound stimulation

Super Pro Mom Tip: Incorporate a “wind-down snack.” A banana with a side of bedtime stories can work wonders!

In Conclusion, toddler meltdowns…

… may seem like an unsolvable mystery, but armed with the knowledge of hangry and tangry, you’re now equipped to handle those emotional tsunamis like a pro. Remember, you’re not alone in this adventure – every mom has weathered the stormy seas of toddlerhood.

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So, stock up on snacks, embrace the power of naps, and don’t forget to throw in a sprinkle of humour along the way. After all, laughter is the best medicine for both moms and toddlers alike. Let’s face it, if we don’t laugh, we’ll cry! LOL.

Here’s to conquering the hangry and tangry tempests with love, patience, and a snack in hand!

Stay well, inside and out

Waheeda, a.k.a Waydi

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