How to Help a Moody Little (Long Post)
You don’t know why, but you’re little won’t stop throwing fits. They’re in a really bad mood and you want to help, here are some ways on how:
1) Nap Time: in a recent, made-up study, 86.5% of hissy fits are caused or aggravated by a tired little. Scoop your little one up and tuck them in. The important thing here is MAKE SURE THEY GO TO SLEEP. If you put them in bed and say immediately leave, some littles will jump out of bed because they’re too anxious to go down. If your little likes falling asleep whole being cuddled, climb in bed with them and rub their back until they’re breathing softens. If they can’t fall asleep with you next to them, put then down, leave the room, but check on then every 10 minutes or so to make sure they’re getting some rest. Let your little sleep for about an hour or two, and then gently wake them up.
2) Food! Another big problem for littles is their tummy is rumbly. Sometimes littles are too anxious to eat, and can’t tell what they’re hungry for. Give them a few options to choose from, or make a tried and true favorite they’re always craving. Sometimes your little needs something sweet or some unhealthy food to make them feel better, but sometimes they’ve had nothing but junk for the past few days and they need nutrients and vitamins to get them out of a slump. You have to decide what would be best for them.
3) Bath time: When was the last time your little took a long, hot, calming bath or shower? When life gets busy and your little only has the time to quickly wash their hair and run soap down their bodies, they don’t feel as clean and calm as they could. Run a hot bath for your little, or tell them it’s time for a long shower. Let them take up as much time as they need to get themselves squeaky clean. While they’re cleaning, pick out a cute, clean outfit for them to wear, and make sure it’s comfy for them!
4) Talk to them! Showers, food, sleep, stuffies, and whatever else can help a little cover the symptoms of their mood, but to really help fix it you should sit down and talk to your little about what bothering them. Let your little know they’re safe with you, and they can tell you anything. A lot of littles are scared to open up too much with their caregivers, because they’re afraid they’re problems might be too much for their caregiver to handle. It’s important for you to tell your little you love them so much, and no matter what they tell you you’re not going anywhere. Once they start talking LISTEN TO THEM! Don’t interrupt or let anything distract you. Let them vent as long as they need to, and once they’re done, try answer. Reassure, comfort, give advice, anything that’s appropriate to why they’re not feeling well.
5) Distract them! If they’ve talked you, you’ve answered them, and they still feel moody, let them watch TV or play a game, or so anything they can to get their minds off of their problems! And be a part of it! Don’t put their favorite movie on and walk out of the room to do something else, sit next to them and song along! Play a board game with them! Let your little know you have fun doing little things with them!
6) Take them out! Another good way to distract your little is to get them out of the house and doing something fun. Anything from a walk in the park to going to a fair or the movies, or anything! You can blindfold them in the car so they don’t know until you get there, or give them a hint so they can guess!
These are just a few ideas to help get your little out of a mood, but it all depends on your little! The biggest thing is communication, and knowing what your little likes and doesn’t like to help cheer them up! Good luck!
