A tantrum is an outburst in which a young child expresses intense feelings such as anger or frustration by crying, shouting, kicking or throwing themselves on the floor. Tantrums are most common between 1 and 3 years, when children have big feelings but limited words and self-control.
Key takeaways
- Tiredness, hunger and frustration are common triggers.
- Tantrums usually become less frequent as language develops.
- Staying calm helps your child calm down.
What you can do
- Keep your child safe and stay nearby.
- Name the feeling briefly and avoid long explanations during the tantrum.
- Hold the limit calmly, and reconnect with a hug afterwards.
- Reduce triggers by keeping meals and sleep regular.
When to talk to your doctor
Talk to your doctor if tantrums are very frequent or long, your child hurts themselves or others, holds their breath until they faint, or tantrums are getting worse after age 4.
