22. Toddler Tantrum Tactics for Healthy Emotional Growth
Most of us want to make toddler tantrums stop. I sure did.
But tantrums are actually essential, developmentally appropriate signs of healthy growth and development, and the way we respond can determine how safe our children feel experiencing their emotions for life. In this episode, I share the five-step process I use with my daughter Della when she melts down over everything from chocolate to not being able to touch the moon.
I also discuss why tantrums trigger us so much, like how I learned my feelings weren’t ok when I was sent away from the dinner table as a child wherever I had big feelings. And how learning to be more ok with my own feelings has changed my relationships, not just with my kids, but also with my wife, friends, and colleagues. This isn’t just about toddler discipline. It’s about building emotional presence, setting boundaries without shame, and creating a foundation for lifelong resilience.
In this episode, we explore:
How do you handle toddler tantrums without giving in?
What’s the right way to validate your child’s big feelings?
How do you set firm boundaries while staying calm?
Why do tantrums trigger parents so deeply?
How can dads use tantrums as practice for their own emotional growth?
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
No Bad Kids: Toddler Discipline Without Shame: https://amzn.to/4gv9sY9
Big Little feelings: https://biglittlefeelings.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoplbvWnHz0ecR3h83gIQRnS7Zh-OE_YTstz0LDvXrdTdy6tkiG2
Watch the Full Episode
Joe Carr is an entrepreneur, advocate, and passionate educator on fatherhood and partnership. Driven by a desire to provide high-quality, nutrient-dense baby food for his daughter Della, Joe and his wife founded Serenity Kids baby food brand after experiencing their own health transformations through clean eating. Now, alongside his work in revolutionizing baby nutrition, Joe is on a mission to help new dads navigate the transformational journey of fatherhood. Through his podcast and social media platform Dadicated Joe, he shares real, honest conversations about showing up for your children, supporting your partner, and embracing the identity shift that comes with becoming a dad.
👉 Get 15% off your first Serenity Kids order with code: DADICATED15 https://myserenitykids.com/
