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Children around the age of two have a growing sense of independence where they strive for control over their environment. This control is typically more than they can handle or what you may are comfortable with. The result can be power struggles between you and your child. And when he doesn't get what he wants, the result will likely be a temper tantrum.

The first step in controlling your toddler's temper tantrums is to understand why they occur. As cute and precious as your child is, he may become manipulative when it comes to getting what he wants. Your child learns that certain behaviors will get your attention-even negative behaviors. Negative attention getting behavior is a normal mode of expression for frustrated or angry toddlers. But this doesn't mean you should condone it. When your child throws a tantrum he might throw himself on the floor or just scream and cry. One way to deal with this without responding to his negative behavior is to simply walk away and ignore the tantrum if you can. Redirecting your child's improper behavior is also helpful. Children love toy punching bags. If your child is so angry that he feels like throwing something or punching someone, offer him the punching bag and let him know it is okay to hit this toy, but not his sibling or a friend.

How to Help Your Child Control and Express His Feelings

Keep in mind that there might be something else going on that precipitates your child's angry mood. He may be tired, or hungry. He may not feel well. So be sure to attend to these needs if you suspect this is the case. And ensure your child isn't acting out because he is not getting enough attention from you. Spend quality time with your child, and praise and encouragement him when he obeys you or accomplishes a small task on his own.

Frustration is an unavoidable part of a toddler's life as he has to learn how to deal with people and situations that their mind and bodies are too young to handle. If you sense your child is frustrated, then he may just need a few soothing words to calm him down. Show him how to solve the problem or accomplish the particular task. And try to teach him to use language to express his feelings. Let him know that you understand he is angry and that his feelings are acceptable, but that his temper tantrums are not. Offer him another way to express his feelings. Communicate to him in words that he understands. When you speak to him, kneel down to his level and look him in the eye so he knows you understand. Tantrums will decrease as your child is able to better express himself verbally.

Learn more about this author, Jacqueline Trovato.
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