Title: Why Is My Toddler So Moody?

Your toddler is learning that they have different emotions, but they have not had enough practice in controlling them. At such a young age, they do not know how to stay calm when upset or angry, especially if they cannot take part in a certain activity. It is better to stay calm, acknowledge their feelings and offer alternatives to the activity. Eventually, your toddler is going to be able to connect words and feelings to control their emotions.

Toddlers are at the age where their vocabulary is expanding, but they still have trouble communicating as you do. They do not always know how to tell you they are feeling frustrated because the house they were building with blocks fell over, and they have not found a way to tell you they feel left out because they cannot go outside with their older siblings. Stay calm and find a solution to their issue, such as “You are feeling frustrated because your blocks fell over, but I can help you rebuild your house.”

There are also times when your toddler knows what they want and how to tell you what they want, but they do not have a concept of time. This means they are going to feel frustrated if a solution does not happen right away. For example, your child may be thirsty, but they become angry when their juice is not in front of them within several seconds. One idea is to keep them distracted with another activity until their juice is ready.

Your toddler may also be moody because they have trouble switching tasks. They become focused on a certain activity, and then they are expected to immediately focus on another activity. One example is a toddler who is told to put their blocks away because it is time for an outing, leading to tears and screaming. It is best to give them advanced notice, such as “We are going to get ready to clean up and head to the store, but then we are coming home so you can build again.” Your child knows what to expect and has some time to process it.

Some toddlers are tired within a few hours of waking up, plus toddlers do not always fuel up when eating a meal. Toddlers who are tired or hungry may become irritable and cry often. The first solution is to plan your day around their naptime, including playdates and appointments. You should also avoid visiting a friend unless they have also had their nap. The second solution is to keep healthy snacks on hand, so your toddler can refuel as needed.

Learning the reasons why your toddler is so moody can help you find a solution to their problem.