How to Handle Toddler Temper Tantrums

Temper tantrums - all toddlers go through this stage.  It is just a part of growing up. As toddlers cannot express themselves fully it is acted out in their behavior - otherwise known as "Temper tantrums" .

Image courtesy of  Clare Bloomfield / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Even though they are expected, you can still take steps to try to make them less painful for you and your child:

• Try to  figure out the triggers, what will set them off?
• Once a tantrum starts, it is often hard to stop ( a little like a train!)
• Stand your ground - Once you give into your child, they have taken control.
• Make sure your child is safe.
• Teach alternatives - Encourage him/her  to find a more effective way of responding.
• Respond immediately - don't wait for repeated behaviors to occur. 
• Reward good behavior (positive reinforcement)
• Provide an opportunity to let off steam - outside playtime is ideal.
• Seek help from professionals - don't be afraid to ask.

We at The Victoria Chart Company are parents too and our kids have gone through this stage. We know that most kids LOVE stickers are respond well to them and so we developed our My Big Star Chart.  This chart is ideal for supporting behavioral issues associated with toddlers such as sharing, eating, going to bed nicely, toilet training, screaming, biting, running away etc. This chart may also be customized to your individual needs too.

To purchase our My Big Star Chart visit our website at www.VictoriaChartCompany.com. To save 15% off your purchase price, enter the coupon code VCHART15 at checkout.  Don't forget to join us on Facebook too at www.fb.com/VictoriaChartCompany to stay up to date with giveaways and parenting tips. We also carry a range of chart relating to more specific areas such as Potty Training and Bedtime Routines.

Tips for children with autism and brushing teeth

We know that April is Autism Awareness Month and the statistics coming from the CDC are staggering. Children with autism can find the sensation of brushing teeth more difficult than others. My son, who is autistic is a prime example and without reminders will "forget".  The consequences of not brushing can lead to tooth decay and possible fear of dentists.

My son, even at the age of 15 needs reminders every day to brush his teeth. I decided it was time to put our Add a Brilliant Smile Chart into practice!  We discussed it together, how it is used, what is expected and I got him enthusiastic about the chart. We addressed again the importance of brushing teeth and how he could take on the responsibility of taking care of his teeth, without me asking twice a day. His dentist will be happy too!  Now I can see at a glance if he has brushed his teeth before we head out of the door in the morning! Of course, you need to be able to trust that your child is not just drawing a face without brushing so I am nearby just to make sure.

At the end of the first week as a treat for using the chart we ventured out to see a movie - something again that he wanted. Rewards don't have to be be expensive, and in fact mine usually aren't. I usually try to incorporate the rewards with things that we would be doing such as going to the park,  riding bikes together,  stopping for ice cream!

The chart is a visual reminder for him and a check for me. It is definately working for us!

We are offering a 15% discount code AUTISM14 which can be used on our website www.victoriachartcompany.com or www.victoriachartcompany.co.uk The discount code can be used for all of our products. Also available from our Facebook page (www.fb.com/victoriachartcompany ) is a letter for the tooth fairy which can be downloaded.