Not giving in to all of a child’s demands helps him understand boundaries better.
It is only from 18 months that the child’s brain is mature enough to imagine what he wants and find strategies to obtain it. Learning as a parent to identify the needs of your child helps him to calm down and feel confident.
Understand your child’s needs
Between 18 months and 2 years, your child begins to have a strong desire for autonomy. He is able to scream or cry when he is denied his preferences because he is not able to express his emotions in words.
After 2 years, he cries or screams to get what he wants and needs to understand what is allowed or not. It is at this age that you gradually teach him the limits that ensure his safety and well-being.
Is it manipulation?
Often confused with manipulation or provocation, your child’s crying and screaming is not meant to hurt or punish you. At his age, he is not able to understand that his behavior will have consequences on your organization or that it could make you sad, for example.
However, if you give in to his tantrums often, he will learn that this is what he must do to get what he wants. To distinguish a whim from a real need, observe and question your child if necessary, not hesitating to name his emotion so that he feels understood.
Find out more: “Little quirks and big tantrums. Managing your child’s crises.” by Didier Pleux and Jean-Baptiste Magne, Eyrolles editions.
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