A Mommy Minute: Trying to understanding your child’s tantrums

By:Jessica Byrd

First let me admit, I am not an expert in parenting, I am just a mother learning the ins and out of parenting as I read, and through trial and error. Discipling  is something that is so hard for me. If I spank my child I feel awful afterwards, if I yell, my children burst out into tears, so most of the time I was left losing many battles. That was then. I found it important to first try to understand my children’s tantrums, to understand how to discipline them accordingly. With my daughter there is a tantrum every morning she can’t wear a dress. This little girls love dresses, it used to stress me out, If I say no Lailah you’re not wearing a dress today, she would literally throw a fit. How do you spank a child for this??!! What it all boils down to is that she couldn’t get her way, and she doesn’t properly know how to address those feelings. At first, It was because mommy said so. Now I have to explain to my child why sometimes pants are a better fit for the day. Conversations usually go like this, “you don’t want to wear your pretty dress in the rain do you”, “you don’t want to play in your pretty dress outside,” and it goes on. Yes, this is a real live issue I have with my daughter she is obsessed with dresses.

A lot of times when she is frustrated she like to turn into a baby to get attention. Now this is something I have zero tolerance for. At this point it is no talking, I direct her to time-out and tell her to come see mommy she’s ready to communicate and talk to mommy like a big girl. This works wonders!! She will sit in time out, sometimes cry for  a second, realizes she is getting no attention, and 7 times out of 10, says mommy I’m ready to be a big girl. My eyes light up, and I say GREAT! Mommy likes when you’re a big girl!

When we’re out in public and she wants things her way, I usually take her in the bathroom get down to her level and talk about the situation, most times she comes out a happy camper, sometimes it doesn’t work. I try my best not to spank, but sometimes this child can truly test me!! Those girls!!

My son is pretty chill, but he’s in this throwing stage and it drives me insane!! If he gets mad he throws, most of the time I explain to him he doesn’t throw, and that didn’t work a bit. This week, I am starting time outs. I will keep you guys posted on how that works.

I have really learned the importance of understanding the cause of your child’s tantrums, this can help you understand the appropriate disciplinary measures you should take.

As promised, I have found a school for my children. Tune into next week and I share my journey in choosing the right school for my children!

Also if you’re interested in joining The Mom’s Club we will be having a Meet and Greet in September.

** This weekend, I had a break!!  On Saturday, my children went with their grandparents on and I enjoyed a night with friends!! Much needed!


Happy Monday Loves!! Lailah and I on the way to school. Yes she’s wearing a dress ...lol  




Jessica M. Byrd is the parent of a two and one year old. 

She is the founder of Metro Detroit Mom's Club and believes 
every mother should live a life on purpose!

 

A Mommy Minute: Traveling with a Toddler

By: Jessica Byrd

I'm sure everyone enjoyed their Fourth of July weekend! This weekend my family and I decided to take our first family vacation to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. We had a ball!! I was super nervous on the plane ride, which was a struggle for my one year old on the way there. The internet for some reason didn't work and he was just too active for a hour and a half plane ride with no iPad. It was a headache and I felt bad for the passengers around us.

On the way back i decided to look up some tips on traveling with a toddler and they worked! One tip that really worked was tiring your toddlers out before the plane ride so they are sleepy on the plane. That's exactly what I did! Instead of trying to keep my one-year-old in the stroller at the airport, I literally let him have a free for all! I let him run around by an open gate, play and look out the windows, and by the time we were on the plane he was super tired. As for my daughter I found a good movie on the tablet and she was all set!

As for the trip itself, we did everything from going to the water park, to going to the Aquarium, and to the beach -- we had so much fun. One thing I would say is make sure your little ones still get their naps. If they fell asleep in the car while we drove down to the beach, we let them catch up on their rest so they were full of energy for our next adventure (nothing is more stressful then a tired toddler!).

In other news I am so excited for The Mom's Club Summer Play Date coming up! If you're interested in attending make sure to send me an email!

 
Jessica M. Byrd is the parent of a two and one year old. 

She is the founder of Metro Detroit Mom's Club and believes 

every mother should live a life on purpose!