Self-Control, Cooperation

Tantrums, and Meltdowns, and Outbursts, Oh My!

Independence is a great quality for your child to have, and he may, at this age, start imitating adults and older children. But when his independence conflicts with safety or your rules, frustration or a power struggle can happen, leading to the dreaded meltdown. It's important for you to stay calm and patient during these occasions, and try to redirect or distract your child from his frustration. If that doesn't work, try a brief time out, not as a punishment but to give him a chance calm down. Then, you can discuss solutions to the source of his frustration, and he will gradually learn to do this on his own.

Has your child achieved the following Self-Control and Cooperation developmental milestones yet? If yes, check off all the skill(s) he has already mastered to date!