Young children are, by design, a little irritable from time to time (perhaps all the time in some cases). It is something normal in the process of passing from baby to child. It’s a time when they can do a few things, like enjoy movies. But I can’t do other things, like decide when the movie goes off. It’s not always easy to guide your child through the pros and cons without getting frustrated. However, there are a few things you can do to make raising a cranky child a little less stressful.

The terrible twos, as they’re called, can start as soon as your child’s first birthday. So don’t worry if your child starts exhibiting two terrible traits before he’s two years old. These things can be biting, freaking out in public, lying on the ground in resistance to certain activities at home, and many other related activities. It can seem overwhelming at times, but here are a couple of tips for raising a cranky toddler:

oh be calm when you are disciplining your toddler. Don’t fight fire with fire. If he is screaming, his son will scream even louder. A calm, in-control voice lets them know that you’re not angry but that you’re the boss.

oh Be consistent. Your toddler will react very positively to a set schedule. Eat lunch, naps, etc., at the same time every day. It makes their life more comfortable when they know what to expect on a regular basis.

oh Don’t get carried away by tantrums. Also, start implementing timeouts. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’ll be surprised how effective the threat of a small timeout can be (after you’ve timed them out a few times, of course).

These three things applied together will reap enormous benefits. However, one of the most important things you can do is set a good example. Your child is all eyes and ears at all times. Watching how you deal with stress and conflict is one of the main ways they learn to deal with stress and conflict. So setting them a good example to base their actions on is very important when raising a cranky child!

In general, remember to have fun! The toddler period is one of the best phases for you and your child. By implementing some of these basic techniques and others, you’ll be able to spend less time upset or frustrated and more time spending quality time with your little one.