When you are frustrated, remember:
- They are learning about the world
- They don’t conform to your schedule or your sense of time or urgency
- They likely aren’t doing something to intentionally upset you. Your feelings are your own.
Calming them down
- Take a breath and stay calm. They pick up and feed on your energy.
- Offer some water.
- Go for a quick walk outside. The change of scenery helps.
- Hold them and read a book.
- Somewhere loud, hot, bright, or a place with lots of stimulation? Find a quiet, cool, less-bright place.
Playtime
Amanda comes up with creative playtime fun by asking this: “What does he like to do, and how can that be turned into a non-destructive activity?”
- Knocking things over –> stacking up toilet paper rolls to knock over
- Pulling tissues out of the box –> fabric squares in a wipes container for him to pull out
- Emptying things off of the cart –> pulling his toys out of a basket
- Pulling things out of cabinets –> having non-breakable bowls accessible at his height that he can pull out