Toddler’s crankiness is a normal thing. Children of very young age get cranky from time to time. However, there may be days when they can get unusually grumpy. Children, unlike adults have limited skill to manage their frustration. They need help to change their mood. Here is some check list to consider when handling a cranky toddler.
Is your kid tired? Or hungry? Usually toddler gets cranky when she needs snack or nap. Tired or hungry kid tends to get easily irritated. So, provide snacks at regular hour everyday and try not to skip meals. Getting your kid into a
Is she craving for attention? My elder daughter usually cries and screams with no apparent reasons every time I feed my younger daughter. This is a complicated issue as it involves sibling rivalry that should be discussed in another separate article. However, every time this kind of situation arise, some hugging, kissing, minutes of cuddling and a promise to read her favorite book later in the afternoon are enough to calm her down and bring back her good humor.
Is she ill? Sore throat or runny nose may make a child especially cranky and irritable. Make sure that your child has enough rest and provide her the comfort she needs.
Are your family just moved into a
new house? Toddlers need time to fit in their new environment. Their uneasiness to accept this change can lead to crankiness. My two daughters get extremely cranky the first week we moved into our new house. It takes lots of patience to get through the situation. It is important to talk to them, and make sure that they know that you understand their discomfort.
How is your own mood? According the book “What To Expect : The Toddler’s Year”, toddler’s crankiness should be bombarded with cheerfulness, sour face should be met with smiles, and you shold respond her grumbles with giggles. To be able to do this, you must be in a good humor yourself. If you are in a bad mood, try to improve it by calm yourself down first.
Don’t fight fire with fire. You’re the boss, but don’t respond her scream with scream to show her that you are the one who should be in control. Be calm and try to soothe her with friendly voice.
Play with her favorite. Provide her favorite foods, offer her favorite toys or stuffed animals, play her favorite games, go to her favorite book stores for favorite playground, etc. may help in boosting your children’s mood.
