Temper tantrums in children

What is a temper tantrum?

Simply, a manifestation of anger. It is a sudden, unplanned display of anger. It means to get attention and to control over object (thing or human).

During a temper tantrum, children often cry, yell, and swing their arms and legs. It usually intense at the start and last 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Sometimes, it can longer and more severe. Some children will pinch, hit, bite and kick. These violent tantrums may be a sign of a more serious problem. Further information on this can be found at children.webmd.com.

Why a temper tantrum?

A response to a challenge in gaining independence or learning a skill. The child may not yet have the skill to express anger or frustration in better healthy ways. For instance, a child throws a temper tantrum when she is frustrated while trying to put on her shoes or button up her shirt.

Temper tantrums are common, mostly among children age 1 to 4. Some children have tantrums every day. The undeniable fact is that anyone can have a tantrum, even an adult!

Things that often trigger a tantrum mostly likely are:

1. How tired is the child?
2. How old is the child?
3. The stress level a child can deal with.
4. Any possible physical, mental or emotion problems with a child.

Parent's behavior and response do matter. A child is more likely to have temper tantrums if parents often react too strongly to a poor behavior or consistently give in to his demands.

What should parents work out when their little angel acting less than angelic. Some mom-tested tips by MomSense:

1. Ignore what you can – the most popular advice given by most of the children researchers
2. Remove your child from the situation
   Just pack your kiddo up and leave if the behavior can't be ignored. Let your child and perhaps you yourself too, a place and a time to breath/think/pray.
3. Validate their feelings”
   E.g., “I can see that you're really mad, I'd be mad too, if my favorite truck was broken"

4. Show them how your resolve problems
   This is a bit harder to do but it is powerful. Action speaks louder than words.
5. Tell them what to expect.
   Talk with your kiddo about what might happen at birthday party, at the park or in a shopping center.

Be a wise loving mom, find out what starts and triggers the tantrum. This can help you act before your child's emotion get past the point where he or she can control them. Enjoy the fun stage of your child!