As your toddler tries to put on their shoes, they just can’t seem to get their feet in properly. They end up throwing their shoes against the wall in a fit of rage, screaming so loudly that your neighbours five doors down can probably hear. They then sit with folded arms refusing to try again and refusing to let you help them. Welcome to the life of a toddler!

When your toddler feels frustrated, the tendency as a parent is to rush and help them with whatever they’re struggling with. But your child’s struggle is important. Without the struggle, they can’t learn and master a skill.

Of course, there are many times when stepping in to help is important, but you want to make sure that you’re not jumping in too quickly so that you can see if they can solve the problem first.

Let’s take a look at a few ways to help your cranky toddler deal with their frustration.

Strategies to help your toddler deal with frustration:

Wait until your toddler is just about to give up and then step in to give them minimal assistance. Then step back again and watch them try again.

You may want to use some rosary beads or something else that can help you patiently count. This will help you to hold yourself back from stepping in too quickly.

When offering to help your child, the most effective way is to show them how it’s done, so they can copy you. You may want to ask them: “would you like me to show you?” or “would you like a little help?”. Then you can proceed to show your little one how to do something.

You could try giving verbal clues. For example, if your child is having trouble putting a puzzle piece in the correct place, you could ask “have you tried turning it around?”

If your child refuses your help and their frustration turns into anger, that’s OK. It’s important that your child expresses how they feel. Suggest that they take a break and try again later.
Realise that frustration is a part of learning. You don’t need to take away or “fix” their frustration. Just accept that it’s a natural part of the learning and mastering process.

How can I help my toddler deal with frustration?

Patience is a virtue every parent needs to teach, says Unii.