A tantrum is a way for your child to show frustration. Your child may not yet have the skills to express strong emotions in other ways. This is part of normal child development. Tantrums are more common when a child is afraid, very tired, or uncomfortable.
During a tantrum, children can cry, yell, and swing their arms and legs. Tantrums usually last 30 seconds to 2 minutes and are strongest at the start. Sometimes tantrums last longer and involve hitting, biting, or pinching. Some children can hurt themselves by banging their head against a wall or the floor. If this type of tantrum becomes common, you may need more help from your doctor. Tantrums are most common in children between the ages of 1 and 4 years.
You can learn how to handle your child's tantrums by taking the simple steps below. Parenting classes are also helpful in dealing with the challenges of raising a toddler.
A temper tantrum is a sudden, unplanned display of anger or other emotions. Temper tantrums are usually a response to extreme frustration. They are most common in children ages 1 to 4 years.
As children grow older, they learn healthier ways to handle their emotions. Children who continue to have tantrums after the age of 4 may need help learning to deal with their emotions.
You may be able to prevent some temper tantrums or at least reduce how often they happen.
If you sense that a tantrum is coming, you may be able to stop it.
After a tantrum starts, ignoring it may work best. Try the following:
After a tantrum is over:
If your child has a lot of tantrums, time-out may be an option. Time-out works best for children who can understand why it is being used. This is usually around age 2 or 3 years.
For a time-out, you send or put your child someplace safe, such as a chair in a hallway, for a few minutes. This gives the child time to calm down. It also teaches the child that having a temper tantrum is not acceptable behavior.
Your doctor may ask you to keep a record of your child's temper tantrums before you bring your child in for a physical exam. It's a good idea to include the following information.
These answers can help your doctor get a clearer picture of what motivates your child and how your child behaves. They may also reveal patterns, such as what triggers the tantrums. This information can help a doctor learn more about your family and advise you on how to manage your child's behavior.
Your doctor may recommend further exams or tests if your child often has temper tantrums that last longer than 15 minutes or occur more than 3 times a day.
If you have a young child, you probably know what temper tantrums are. Experts define them as sudden, unplanned displays of anger or other emotions. During a tantrum, children often whine, cry, or scream. They may also swing their arms and legs wildly or hold their breath.
Anyone can have temper tantrums. But they are most common in children ages 1 to 4 years.
Dealing with tantrums may be unpleasant or embarrassing. But remember, tantrums are most intense at the start, and they usually last only 2 minutes or less. And most children stop having tantrums by age 4 or 5, when they learn healthy ways to handle strong emotions.
A tantrum is a normal response when something blocks a young child from gaining independence or learning a skill. The child may not yet have the skills to express strong emotions in other ways. For example, a temper tantrum may happen when a child gets frustrated because they can't button a shirt. Or a child may get upset when they are told it's time for bed, but they want to stay up.
Children are more likely to have tantrums when they are afraid, overtired, or uncomfortable.
As a parent, your behavior matters too. Your child is more likely to have temper tantrums if you react too strongly to poor behavior or give in to the child's demands.
Children who still have tantrums after the age of 4 may need help learning to deal with their emotions. Tantrums that continue or start during the school years may be a sign of learning problems or other issues that the child may need help with.
Some children have temper tantrums that last longer and are more severe than normal. They may destroy things or hurt themselves or other people. This violent behavior may be a sign of a more serious problem.
Talk with a doctor if:
It may be helpful to keep a record of your child's behavior for a few days before your doctor visit. This will help the doctor assess your child's behavior and decide if testing is needed.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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