Tantrums, Tears & Tiny Feelings: Navigating the 1–2 Year Stage as a Mom

The new year often comes with fresh starts, big goals, and a hopeful mindset. But if you’re a mom of a toddler between the ages of one and two, your “new year” might look a little different—think big emotions, sudden meltdowns, and tantrums that come out of nowhere.

If you’ve found yourself wondering “Is this normal?” or “Am I doing something wrong?” — let me reassure you: you’re not alone, and you’re doing just fine.

Why Toddlers Have Tantrums (and Why It’s Actually a Good Sign)

Between ages one and two, children are learning so much all at once. Their brains are growing rapidly, their independence is forming, and they’re starting to understand the world—but they don’t yet have the words or emotional tools to express how they feel.

Tantrums often happen because:

• They want something but can’t communicate it

• They’re tired, hungry, or overstimulated

• They’re learning boundaries

• They’re overwhelmed by big feelings in a little body
  

As hard as it is in the moment, tantrums are a normal and healthy part of development. It means your child is learning, processing, and growing.

When Tantrums Test Your Patience (and Your Sanity)

Let’s be honest—tantrums can be exhausting. There are days when they happen in the grocery store, during diaper changes, or right when you’re already running late.

And then there are moments when… you can’t help but laugh.

I’ll admit it—sometimes my son’s tantrums are so dramatic, so sudden, or so over-the-top that I catch myself smiling. And guess what? That’s okay.

Motherhood doesn’t require perfection. It requires presence, patience, and grace—for your child and yourself.

Gentle, Positive Ways to Get Through Toddler Tantrums

While there’s no magic fix, here are a few gentle reminders that may help during this season:

1. Stay calm (or as calm as possible)

Your child feeds off your energy. Taking a deep breath and responding calmly can help de-escalate the situation—even if it doesn’t feel like it right away.

2. Acknowledge their feelings

Simple phrases like “I know you’re frustrated” or “That was really hard for you” help your child feel seen, even if the tantrum continues.

3. Choose connection over correction

Sometimes toddlers don’t need a lesson—they need comfort. A hug, a quiet presence, or sitting beside them can be enough.

4. Give yourself permission to step away

If it’s safe to do so, taking a moment for yourself is not failure—it’s self-care.

This Season Will Pass

One of the hardest parts of motherhood is remembering that everything is a phase. The sleepless nights pass. The tantrums pass. The chaos eventually gives way to conversation, curiosity, and connection.

Right now, your child is learning how to be human. And you’re learning how to guide them through it. That’s no small thing.

As we step into a new year, give yourself grace. Laugh when you can. Cry when you need to. And remember—you are not alone in this season.

From one mama to another: you’re doing an incredible job.