Psychologist And Therapist Explain Why Ignoring A Toddler Tantrum Might Actually Work

It probably shouldn't be your go-to strategy, though.

Parents editor at HuffPost UK

If there’s one thing we all know about toddlers, it’s that they are capable of throwing some epic wobblies, over seemingly small things.

Of course, to a two-year-old, their banana breaking (or – even worse – you cutting it up for them when they wanted it whole) is a life-shattering ordeal.

But how’s best to respond when young kids do have the meltdown to end all meltdowns?

One therapist previously said asking them a “tiny, non-threatening question” can help distract in the moment (I’ll be honest, I don’t think my child would even hear me over the screeching).

For parenting coach Gen Muir, verbalising what you’re seeing – from the reason they’re having a tantrum, to the emotions they’re experiencing – can help. (She used this with her children and said it vanquished a banana-induced meltdown in seven seconds).

But another strategy some parents swear by is to do absolutely nothing and carry on like it isn’t happening.

Parents tried ignoring a tantrum and said it worked

One parent shared on Reddit........

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