Temper Tantrums

Temper tantrums may start at around 18 months, are common around two years and are much less common around four. One in five two year olds has a tantrum at least twice a day. One reason is around this age children often want to express themselves more than they are able. They feel frustrated and the frustration comes out as a tantrum. Once a child can talk more tantrums often lessen.

Some points about tantrums:

• Tantrums tend to happen when children are tired or hungry. Sleep or feed might be the answer.

• If sleep or food isn’t the answer try to work out the reason and tackle that. It may be frustration. It may be something like jealousy. More time and attention and being extra loving can help.

• Even if you can’t be sure why your child has a temper tantrum try to understand and accept the anger your child is feeling. You probably feel the same way yourself very often.

• When a tantrum is starting try to find an instant distraction. Find something to look at, out of the window for example. Make yourself sound really surprised and interested in it.

• Tantrums often seem to happen in shops. This can be really embarrassing and embarrassment makes it extra hard to cope and stay calm. Keep shopping trips short.

• Some parents find it helps to hold their child quite firmly until the tantrum passes although a struggling child can be hard to contain.

For more information on child behavior Click temper tantrums