[New] Tackling toddler tantrums

By Sarah Ockwell-Smith

The ‘terrible twos’ aren’t called that for nothing! This stage of a child’s life is all about big feelings. Scientifically, it relates to the undeveloped prefrontal brain cortex meaning a child is unable to regulate their own emotions.

What is a tantrum?

Tantrums describe the state of an individual who is out of control, full of big emotions and stress hormones and unable to calm themselves down. Tantrums can happen right into adulthood but adults learn to self-soothe.

Toddlers don’t possess these skills yet. They are not being naughty or manipulative, they are simply being toddlers. Tantrums are a normal and exceedingly common feature of child development. Research has found that nearly nine in ten children between 18 months and 2 years regularly have tantrums, with most having at least one a day, lasting on average between thirty and sixty seconds (although it is not uncommon for them to occur far more frequently and last for much longer).

‘No’ to the naughty step

Contrary to popular belief, ignoring, shaming or punishing tantrums can make a toddler’s behaviour much worse. These approaches ignore a child’s difficult underlying feelings and don’t resolve the cause or help the toddler regulate their behaviour. Experts have discovered just how much infant brains are affected by the level of parental care they receive. With nurturing attention, the part of their brains responsible for regulating emotion become better connected as they grow.

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What’s On

Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Throughout Jan & Feb Science & Industry Museum, Manchester 12 to 15 Jan The Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Show at Manchester Central Discover, compare & buy the latest models from the largest selection of leisure vehicles, holiday homes and accessories. 13 to 22 Jan Jack And The Beanstalk at Waterside, Sale Find more information and book online. 22 Jan Sing-a-Long Encanto at Stockport Plaza Cinema showing. Book online. 28 Jan Kung Fu Panda 3 at Oldham Library Cinema showing. Book online. 28 & 29 Jan Tales from Acorn Wood at The Lowry, Salford Based on favourite stories by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler beloved Tales from Acorn Wood stories are brought to life on stage for the first time in an enchanting lift-theflap experience. 11 Feb Sing-a-Long Encanto at Oldham Coliseum Find out more and book tickets online. 11 Feb Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone at Oldham Library Cinema showing. Book online. 11 to 26 Feb Scarecrow Festival at Tatton Park Join in the scarecrow festival this February half-term. Search out dozens of scarecrows in 50 acre Gardens and throughout the Farm. This year’s theme is Kings and Queens, so keep your eyes peeled for a right royal mix of famous faces and colourful characters - all made out of straw! 17 to 19 Feb

The museum has opened its world-first music exhibition, Turn It Up: The power of music which takes visitors on a fully immersive experience - exploring the science of music’s mysterious hold over us and how it drives us to create, perform, feel and share. Pre-book.

Until 15 Jan Harry Potter The Forbidden Forest Experience, Arley Hall & Gardens, Northwich A nightime woodland trail experience filled with magical creatures and wizarding wonders.

The Singing Mermaid at Waterside, Sale 23 & 24 Feb 24 & 25 February

The classic story from Julia Donaldson, has been adapted for stage using puppets so make sure you don’t miss out.

Dinosaur Adventure Live! at Stockport Plaza Join our intrepid ranger on a quest to recover the data crystal, restore power to the island and save the Dinosaurs! Feel the excitement as you come face-to-face with a T-Rex and hear it’s roooooooarrrrrr in this awe-inspiring interactive stage show.

After Hours with Mermaids at SEA LIFE Manchester SEA LIFE has some very special visitors. Explore the full aquarium with a rare chance to see a real life mermaids!