Temper tantrums are a way a young child lets out strong emotions before he or she is able to express them in socially acceptable ways. They start at about 1 year of age and continue until age 2 to 3. Parents can learn from their child by understanding what caused the temper tantrum to erupt.
What causes temper tantrums?
As a young child learns more and becomes more independent, they want to do more than they can physically and emotionally manage
- This is frustrating to the child
- Temper tantrums are worse and happen more often when a child is hungry, tired, or sick
What else should parents know about temper tantrums?
Temper tantrums generally happen less often as children get older.
- Talk with your child’s healthcare provider if any of the following happen: Temper tantrum are severe, last long, or happen very often. Your child has a lot of trouble talking and can’t let you know what he or she needs. � Temper temperrums continue or get worse after 3 to 4 years of age.
- Your child harms himself or herself or others during tantrums.
How to Prevent Temper Tantrums
Stick to routines for meals and sleep times
- Be reasonable about what to expect from your child
- Prepare your child for changes or events by talking about them before they happen
- Let your child know your rules and stick to them
How to respond
Stay calm
- Ignore the child until he or she is calmer
- Don’t hit or spank your child
- Do not give in to the tantrum
- Remove potentially dangerous objects from your child’s path
- Use time-out for a short period to allow the child to get back in control