How do I handle tantrums?
I'm a FTM to a little boy who's about to turn 2. For context, he's completely "normal" in all areas except communication. He talks all the time but he's not saying any real words yet and I can't get him to do sign language. He understands us when we talk to him, he just can't/wont communicate back.
When he has tantrums, it's usually because he got a toy stuck somewhere or he wants his water cup filled up. But instead of coming to me or trying to show me, he just plops down and screams and cries. I've tried helping him and trying to get him to say "mama help", I've tried ignoring him until he comes to me, but nothing seems to work
When he throws his tantrums he will throw his toys and kind of lightly try and smack me if I'm close to him. If I try and hold him he squirms and tries to smack me (he's a large child and I am a small adult so it's difficult to hold onto him), if I try and redirect he will slam himself on the floor. I'm getting to the point where I don't know how to handle tantrums. I know he's got big emotions and can't regulate them, I know I'm supposed to stay calm and try and help him through it.
I just need advice on how to handle these tantrums when he can't communicate well and do it in a way that is loving but not setting him on the course to be an asshole kid