Introduction to Temper Tantrums

What is Temper Tantrum?A temper tantrum is a sudden unplanned display of anger, frustration or other emotion by a young child. It is just not an act to get attention. It usually last for 30 seconds to 2 minutes being more intense in the beginning. During a temper tantrum a child often cries, yells and swings his/her arms and legs.

Some Information About Temper Tantrums:Every new parent as well as teachers to young children should know about temper tantrums and what to expect and how to manage if a child has temper tantrums.

• Temper tantrum or ‘acting out’ behavior is normal part of growing up and natural during early childhood.
• It can be seen in children ages 1 to 4 years , usually beginning when a child is about 12-18 months old, get worse at age 2-3 years and then decrease by age 4 years.
• Temper tantrums are equally common in both boys and girls.
• There may be predictable situations that may trigger the tantrums like bedtime, suppertime, bath time etc.
• More than half of the young children will have one or more tantrums a week when they vent their frustration and protest their lack of control.

Characteristics of a Temper Tantrum:
During a temper tantrum a child may shout, whine, complain, resist, cling, throw stuff and defy the parents or the teacher. A temper tantrum is just a way to express the feelings for which a child cannot find words. Young children don’t have any evil plans to disturb their parents on purpose, it is simply a way they express their frustration. Although it is a normal behavior for age it becomes a problem when they occur with greater frequency, intensity and duration than is typical for the age of the child.

How To Manage Temper Tantrums:
There is no single way to prevent and control temper tantrums in children but there is plenty one can do to encourage good behavior in even very young children. Here are some strategies that may help to avoid tantrums:

1. Establish a daily routine so that a child knows what to expect. Try to stick to the routine as much as possible regarding bedtime etc.

2. Try to give toddlers a little control over minor things like ask Do you want to brush before or after taking bath and not just forcing to brush right now. In this way the child will feel some independence and will help in preventing temper tantrums.

3. Plan a head for example if you are taking your child in the shopping mall be sure he/she is not hungry or tired. Take some snacks with you or a toy to keep the child busy.

4. Teach your child more words and how to express the feelings by speaking out. At young age encourage the child to say words like i want more, tired, hungry etc so that he/she can express it rather then having those tantrums .

5. If the child is having a temper tantrum it is very important for the parent to stay calm otherwise the condition worsens.

6. Make sure that the child’s needs are met. May be the child has a dirty diaper, is in some pain due to any underlying illness, needs a nap and so it is important to take care of it and make the child comfortable as much as possible.

7. For kids who are able to speak ask what they want and if possible provide them and if the answer is no then try to give them some explanation that can remove there frustration.

8. Some kids may get very violent and so it is important to take steps to prevent any injury during a tantrum.

9. Praise the good behavior and reward them when they are behave well. Give the child a hug or a toy that make him/her happy.

10. Try to avoid situations that may trigger tantrums.

11. Use some kind of distraction to change the child’s focus.

12. It is important for parents to know when to get professional advice if the tantrums keep on occurring no matter how much they try to avoid them or if a child is old enough but still having the temper tantrums.