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For many toddlers getting dressed is just another part of their lives that they have no control over. Lack of good communication skills, a feeling of being misunderstood, and having no say in the things that affect them can cause many toddlers to have several tantrums every day. By letting your toddler have some freedom with his clothing options you can hurry along getting your child dressed and do it tantrum free.

Toddlers love choices. Instead of choosing for him or her what to wear, let your child choose. Will it be the red shirt or the blue? Should we wear a skirt or a dress? Offering your toddler two or three items to choose from lets your child feel more in control and his or her opinions understood. They may not always choose clothing that matches, but giving them a chance to express their own unique style and personality can be fun. When toddlers feel that they are more in control they are less likely to have a tantrum.

Removing too many options can also be a way to lessen tantrums over getting dressed. Toddlers can easily become over stimulated by too many choices. A closet full of clothes can be very stressful to a young child. Keep all out of season clothing and anything the child has not yet grown into out of the way to prevent overload. Keeping choices to a few basic things will make choosing feel less stressful to your toddler.

Toddlers also will throw tantrums as a way of expressing strong emotions they may not even understand. if you are in a hurry and trying to rush your child he may feel overwhelmed or scared. She might still be tired if you had to wake early, or perhaps she would rather eat breakfast before getting dressed. Take a moment to realize that your toddler is not throwing a tantrum to upset you or be defiant, but because they have a need or desire that they cannot express. Remaining calm and trying to find out what is the underlying reason for the tantrum can help defuse it quickly and help you stop the next one before it even begins.

Parents who find that their toddlers frequently have tantrums may need to take the time to step back, breath, and remember that this is a very brief period in your child's life. It can be just as difficult for your child as it is for you.

Learn more about this author, Summer Minor.
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