Decode A Toddler Tantrum

The shoe goes on the wrong foot and suddenly you are both on the kitchen floor, one of you crying. This explains what is normal at this age, what the tantrum is really about, and gives you three lines to say instead of the ones that make it worse. For anyone parenting a small, loud person.

<context>
Your child is {AGE} years old and has just had a meltdown over {TRIGGER}. You want to understand what is actually happening rather than just stopping the noise.
</context>

<task>
**Explain the tantrum and give you a plan:**
1. What is developmentally normal at this age versus a red flag
2. The likely underlying need (tired, hungry, overwhelmed, testing limits)
3. Three phrases to say in the moment that de-escalate rather than inflame
4. One thing to avoid saying, and why it backfires
</task>

<output_format>
- Short explanation (under 150 words)
- A numbered in-the-moment script
- A one-line summary you could stick on the fridge
</output_format>