Toddler Tantrums? Here’s How Play Can Help
Ah, toddler tantrums. The epic meltdowns over the wrong color sippy cup, the dramatic floor flops in the grocery store, the sudden outbursts that leave you questioning every parenting decision you’ve ever made. If you’ve ever wondered, Is it just my kid?—the answer is no. It’s not just your kid. It’s my kid too. It’s all of them.
Tantrums are normal, but that doesn’t make them any easier to deal with. The good news? Play can actually help.
Why Do Toddlers Have Tantrums?
At this age, kids have BIG emotions and tiny vocabularies. They know what they want, but they don’t always have the words to express it. So, what do they do? They scream, cry, throw things, and lose their little minds.
But instead of just trying to stop tantrums, what if we focused on helping our toddlers regulate their emotions through play? Honestly, we’re still working on this in our home with a two and five year old, but we continue to remind ourselves that patience is a learning process for the whole family and there are ways we can help each other understand one another.
How Play Helps Toddlers Manage Emotions
✔ Pretend Play – Helps toddlers process their feelings by acting out scenarios (playing “doctor” with a stuffed animal, pretending to cook, etc.).
✔ Physical Play – Running, jumping, and climbing help release built-up frustration.
✔ Sensory Play – Activities like playdough, sand, or water play provide calming, hands-on engagement.
✔ Cooperative Play – Encourages patience, turn-taking, and communication.
Using Play to Prevent Tantrums
Here’s a little parenting hack—when you sense a meltdown coming, try redirecting with play before the tantrum escalates. This works well in our house. If we’re quick enough to see it coming, distraction and finding the fun calms the storm.
✔ Give them a “job” – Toddlers love feeling important. If they’re upset while waiting in line, ask them to “help” hold something.
✔ Turn frustration into a game – If they refuse to put on their shoes, make it a “race.” If there’s more than one child, it’s always great to see them work together as a team to see who can finish before mommy and daddy. This is fun for everyone and they’re learning to work together too!
✔ Use humor – Sometimes, acting silly is all it takes to turn their mood around.
Where to Let Them Play It Out
One of the best ways to release toddler energy is through safe, structured play. Indoor play spaces like Maeve & Rayne Play Lounge give toddlers the freedom to climb, run, and explore—helping prevent meltdowns before they start.
So, next time your little one is on the verge of a meltdown, remember: play is powerful. It’s not just about fun—it’s about learning, growing, and managing emotions in a way that makes life easier for both of you.
And if all else fails? Coffee for you, a nap for them. Hang in there, mama. 💛
♥️ Playfully yours, your mom-friend in fun, Lynne
