Tantrums are very common in children aged 1-3 years.
This is because children’s social and emotional skills are only just starting to develop at this age. Children often don’t have the words to express big emotions. They might be testing out their growing independence. And they’re discovering that the way they behave can influence the way other people behave.
So tantrums are one of the ways that young children express and manage feelings, and try to understand or change what’s going on around them.
- Reduce stress. Tired, hungry and overstimulated children are more likely to experience tantrums.
- Tune in to your child’s feelings. If you’re aware of your child’s feelings, you might be able to sense when big feelings are on the way. You can talk about what’s going on and help your child manage difficult feelings. You might also be able to distract your child.
- Identify tantrum triggers
- Talk about emotions with your child
Some more ways to control tantrums are:
- Stay calm (or pretend to!)
- Acknowledge your child’s strong feelings
- Wait out the tantrum. Stay close so your child knows you’re there. But don’t try to reason with your child or distract them
- Take charge when you need to. If the tantrum happens because your child wants something, don’t give your child what they want. If your child doesn’t want to do something, use your judgment
- Be calm and composed