Tantrums In 2 Year Olds: Say No To The Terrible Twos!

Author Image By Paula McLaren - Norland Nurse NNEB RSH •  Updated: 06/07/23 •  Behavior / Tantrums

So it’s happened. You’ve hit the ‘terrible twos’. But does it really have to be so… terrible? Despite what everyone claims… tantrums in 2 year olds will not define your year.

Here are my top tips to prevent tantrums from happening and the steps to take to appropriately handle any stray tantrums that may occur.

What Is A Tantrum?

Is It Normal For 2 Year Old’s To Have Tantrums?

Yes, 2 year olds tantrums are a normal toddler behavior and part of your child’s development. 

Tantrums in 2 year olds are emotional outbursts as a result of your child struggling to process their emotions and balance their growing independence desires. They can happen at anytime and are sometimes known as the terrible two’s.

How Do I Handle My 2 Year Old’s Tantrums

Dealing with temper tantrums in 2 year olds is never easy, especially when they happen in public. But being prepared and having a list of strategies to deal with tantrums in 2 year olds is your best plan to get through them safely and effectively.

If you find yourself in the middle of a 2 year old tantrum you need to:

Steps For Handling Tantrums In 2 Year Olds Anywhere

1. Stay calm. This is the hardest part of handling severe tantrums in 2 year olds. But taking a deep breath, staying calm and not shouting will be the key to preventing a tantrum from escalating.

2. Remove any dangers. If your 2 year old is thrashing about and you fear they may hurt themselves… either move them to a safer place or if that is not possible, remove any items they may hurt themselves with.

3. Remove the audience, if possible. Full-blown tantrums in 2 year olds in public can be a terrifying and mortifying thing for parents to handle. But your 2 year old will very quickly work out that you are more likely to give in if there is an audience around. Therefore, you must remain even more consistent during these tantrums and if you can, take your child to a place where there is no one to ‘perform’ to.

4. Don’t give in or negotiate. And I mean NEVER give in to a tantrum. Even if part way through you feel you may have denied them something that they could have had or done… Once you have said ‘no’ you must see it through. If you do end up giving in to tantrums in 2 year olds… you will reinforce to your child that this behavior gets results.

5. Don’t leave them alone. While you may be tempted to walk away, do not leave your tantrum throwing 2 year old alone. If they will let you then hold them until they have calmed down, but if this is not possible then be present at a distance without engaging and wait for the tantrum to pass.

6. Never punish. Tantrums in 2 year olds should never be punished. Although you have to take a strong stance in dealing with a tantrum when they’re happening, you need to remember that your 2 year old cannot help feeling the way they do but they do need your understanding and love once the storm is over.

7. Comfort after the event. You cannot force a tantrum to come to an end. Nor can you expect your toddler to listen to you mid – tantrum. Therefore, wait it out and once it’s over, cuddle your little one, look at a book together and have a calming and non-accusatory chat about what happened.

Want to stop your children from yelling, shouting & throwing tantrums... Whilst helping them listen to you and building a healthy strong relationship? Look no further than Calm Connections and transform your family’s life for years to come.

Calm Connections: How To Talk To Your Child So They'll Hear...
  • Understand the best way to communicate with your child in different situations, so you feel more confident, relaxed, and in control... even during the most challenging moments. 💖
  • Learn how to set clear boundaries and engage your child's cooperation 🌟
  • Break free from tantrum cycles and promote healthy alternatives (without using punishment) 🎉
  • Learn my trade secrets (collected over 40+ years in the childcare industry) to get your child to listen to you without shouting 🙌
  • Promote kindness and honesty to prioritize a respectful relationship with your child ❤️
Click Here Learn More

How To Prevent Tantrums In 2 Year Olds From Happening

Prevention is always better than reaction. And having some tricks up your sleeve to prevent toddler temper tantrums from happening in the first place is hugely beneficial for the whole family.

Ways To Prevent 2 Year Old Tantrums From Happening

1. Have a calm down corner. Create a calm-down corner. Having a safe space where your 2 year old can go when they feel things are getting too much can be hugely beneficial to help them reset their emotions. Having a canvas tent, cushions and a few cuddly toys is a great place to start.

Tiny Land Large Kids Teepee Tent with Padded Mat, Light String & Carry Case

All children love a little house and a teepee is a versatile set up that you can use both indoors and out. This is an item tha will grow with your child's imagination and provide hours of fun for you and them. The perfect setting for nursery tea parties and a cosy snuggle spot for hanging out and reading together or alone.

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

2. Practice teddy bear breathing. This is a fun way to get your little one to practice deep breathing. Balance a teddy bear on their tummy and give it a ride with the rising and falling of your child’s breath. It is a great idea to make this part of the bedtime routine when they are lying down in bed.

GUND "Toothpick" Soft Plush Teddy Bear

Super soft, very cuddly and the perfect companion to young children, the GUND Teddy Bears never fail to be toy box favourites for years to come!

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

3. Utilise emotional development toys, books and flashcards. These are excellent ways to get your little one to talk about their emotions in a healthy way. They will give you an insight into how your child is feeling and will give them the essential verbal tools to express themselves in a healthy way. I love the book and plush toys included in A Little Spot of Emotion.

A Little SPOT of Emotion - Set of 8 Plush Toys with Feelings Book

What is it? This book contains 8 different plush toys each displaying a different emotion - Anger, Anxiety, Peaceful, Sadness, Happiness, Love, Confidence and Tangled (Scribble) - to help children identify and process their emotions.

Why do I like it? This is a very helpful tool to teach children about emotions and how to handle them. Its fun plush toys make learning about emotions manageable and approachable. The Little SPOT of Emotion book is also ideal for children with social-emotional needs.

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

4. Lead by example by modelling good listening. Giving your toddler positive attention and leading by example and listening to your child will go a long way in avoiding unnecessary tantrums in 2 year olds.

5. Nail the transitions. Your little one will often not want to stop what they are doing in order to go out, get ready for bed, or go to nursery in the morning. Therefore, knowing how to handle a transition will be an essential parenting tool to prevent tantrums in 2 year olds from occurring.

6. Praise when they handle difficult emotions acceptably. When your 2 year old successfully navigates a situation that could have resulted in a tantrum ensure that you give them plenty of praise and encouragement. Reinforcing a good outcome will definitely help to reduce tantrums moving forward.

7. Create a happy and positive family atmosphere. 2 year olds are very sensitive to their environment and the happier and calmer their surroundings are… the fewer tantrums they will have.

8. Ensure they have a healthy sleep schedule and a regular bedtime. At this age, your child can experience a 2 year sleep regression. Sadly, sleep and emotional behavior go hand-in-hand… So to help limit the possibility of overtiredness causing any tantrums, by having a consistent sleep schedule and bedtime routine.

9. Offer simple acceptable choices. As your little ones’ desire for independence grows offering them two simple, acceptable choices is a perfect way to diffuse frustration and to make them feel more in control eliminating an escalating tantrum.

Looking to get your little one to sleep quickly and effortlessly? Check out my Bedtime and Nap Cheat Sheet and master the art of making daytime naps and bedtimes as seamless as possible.

Why Is My 2 Year Old Throwing Tantrums?

There are lots of triggers for tantrums in 2 year olds. If your little one is suddenly having intense tantrums check to see if they are feeling any of the following:

1. They are struggling to process their emotions and feelings. Your 2 year old is now experiencing a whole range of emotions that they are unfamiliar with, such as frustration, anxiety and anger. These feelings can be very overwhelming and when allowed to escalate, they may result in a tantrum.

2. They have a new desire for independence. 2 year olds will now want to do more for themselves and have more control over their environment. However, if they are not offered opportunities to feel as if they have some control over their life, they may choose to stand their ground, become defiant and throw a tantrum to express their frustration.

3. They lack the language and social skills to express their wants. A 2 year old’s understanding of the world around them is far superior to their ability to express themselves. As a result, they can easily become frustrated by others not understanding what they want.

4. They are overtired. Overtiredness can be caused by an inconsistent nap schedule as well as a very busy day can easily trigger tantrums in 2 year olds.

5. They are hungry. We all know how irritable we can feel if we need food and a young toddler is no different! 2 year olds can easily feel cranky and short-tempered if they are hungry.

6. They are not getting their way. There are many occasions when tantrums in 2 year olds happen purely because they are not getting their own way. It is a young child’s default behavior to express frustration and anger.

7. It works. Finally, your 2 year old may be throwing daily tantrums because they work. If you give in to a tantrum, your child is more likely to use them to get the outcome they desire.

2 Year Old Tantrums Featured

What Is The Difference Between A Tantrum And A Meltdown?

The main difference between toddler tantrums and meltdowns is that:

However, some tantrums can turn into meltdowns if they go on for a long time…

Characteristics Of A Tantrum:

Characteristics Of A Meltdown:

Frequently Asked Questions About Tantrums In 2 Year Olds

Need more advice about temper tantrums in 2 year olds? Get the answers to the most common questions here:

When Should I Worry About My 2 Year Old Tantrums?

In some cases, frequent tantrums in 2 year olds can be an indication of an underlying condition linked to the child not being able to process emotions effectively.

Whilst rare, if you notice any of the following signs, then I would advise having a chat with a medical professional to see if an emotional assessment would be useful:

They simply don’t understand what you need from them.

Therefore, you need to teach your child how to listen by giving them the opportunities to actively listen and follow instructions.

Should You Ignore Temper Tantrums?

Yes and no…

While you should never engage and negotiate with a toddler when they are having a tantrum… you should definitely stay physically present to ensure that they do not hurt themselves.

Your body language will do the ignoring for you.

Appearing to be seemingly engaged in doing something else like reading a magazine, looking at your phone, continuing with your shopping or preparing a meal, will give your 2 year old the vital message that you are not phased by the tantrum and that it will not get your attention.

When Do Tantrums Stop?

Toddler tantrums are common between the ages of 1 and 3 but can continue into the pre-school years in some children or in those where tantrum behavior has gotten them what they want.

Tantrums will usually be at their peak between 2 and 3 years of age but they will have mostly ended by the time children turn 4. 

Therefore, you need to teach your child how to listen by giving them the opportunities to actively listen and follow instructions.

How Can I Stop My Two Year Old’s Tantrums And Hitting?

If your 2 year old is hitting out when they have a tantrum you need to take swift action and address the issue. Make sure that your 2 year old knows that hitting is never allowed by saying No hitting. Only respectful touches are allowed.’

If your child is uncontrollably hitting, hold them firmly from behind, keeping their arms by their side and say that you will only let go once they calm down.

Once the tantrum has passed, talk about how hitting people is not an acceptable way to behave and offer them alternative options like hitting a cushion when they feel angry and using words to express their frustration and anger.

What Do You Do When Your 2 Year Old Screams At You?

Firstly, don’t ever scream back or verbally discipline your toddler when they’re throwing a tantrum. They are screaming at you to get a reaction… so the most powerful weapon you have is not to react.

Keep your voice calm and refuse to talk about the issue until they bring down the volume and use their ‘quiet’ voice. Encourage them to come and sit in the calm-down corner where you can help them express their feelings in an acceptable manner with positive behavior.

It is important that you take this time once the screaming has stopped to reinforce that they will have your attention if they speak and behave respectfully.

Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder To Blame?

You will only know if attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is contributing to tantrums in 2 year olds if you consult a child psychologist or child development expert.

When To Seek Help For Tantrums In 2 Year Old

In some cases, temper tantrums in 2 year olds can be an indication of an underlying condition linked to the child not being able to process emotions effectively.

If you notice any of the following signs, or if your child is regularly engaging in specific types of tantrum behaviors, then I would advise having a chat with a behavioral pediatrician or developmental pediatrician to see if an emotional assessment would be useful:

Further Reading

Toddler tantrums are a normal part of childhood, but they should not be dominating your life. Read these articles to help you better understand and manage temper tantrums in a healthy and productive way:

Need More Parenting Help?

Author Image Bio
Paula McLaren is the founder of Teething to Tantrums and a highly qualified childcare expert with over 40 years of experience as a Norland Nanny. She holds a BA (Hons) in Early Years Development & Learning (0-6 Years) and the prestigious Norland Diploma. Paula has worked as a night nanny, run a successful daycare center in London, and helped raise countless children using her tried and tested developmental and guidance methods.

Keep Reading