Toddler Meltdowns

Anyone out there handling massive toddler meltdowns?⁠
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We have not one, but TWO toddlers in our house! The feelings are big, and the frustrations are real!⁠
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One thing that shifted my twins' moods considerably was giving them agency over their environment. To figure out what their present challenges are, I observe their moods and what they seem to be getting annoyed with. ⁠
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I notice the frustration sometimes because of series of meltdowns about one specific thing, for example, not being able to climb onto the toilet. The solution? Put a stool next to it so they can safely climb up.⁠
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Other times, they simply will ask to help with something. This weekend, we discovered they both really wanted to help us cook. We gave them toddler-safe knives, taught them how to use them, and then let them chop away (with adult supervision of course!)⁠
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These are the years where our kids learn to become active citizens in their world. Toddlers need to feel like they have the capacity to have independence AND contribute to the family unit.⁠
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The more agency they can have over their environment, the less tantrums they will have. Doesn't THAT sound nice?⁠