Young children have big feelings and limited words. Tantrums are common between ages 1 and 4.
Calm, consistent responses teach children to manage emotions over time.
Key concepts
- Stay calm — your calm is contagious
- Do not reward tantrums by giving in
- Praise calm behaviour often
Symptoms and signs
- Crying, screaming, throwing or lying on the floor
- Triggered by tiredness, hunger or frustration
- Usually brief, easing by school age
Causes
- Developing language and emotional control
- Tiredness, hunger, change in routine
- Learning that tantrums get results
Risk factors
- Inconsistent rules between adults
- Speech delay or developmental problems
- Family stress
Evidence-based management
- Prevent: regular meals, naps and warnings before transitions
- During: keep the child safe, stay nearby, speak little
- After: name the feeling and reconnect
- Never hit or shame — it increases aggression
When to seek professional help
- Tantrums after age 5 that are frequent or violent
- Self-injury during tantrums
- Parents can book a consultation first to discuss concerns before involving the child
Frequently asked questions
Should I ignore tantrums?
Ignore the behaviour while keeping the child safe, then give attention once calm.
Is time-out okay?
Short, calm time-outs (about one minute per year of age) can help older toddlers and preschoolers.
Medical references
Guidelines and official sources used for this article.
- mhGAP Intervention Guide for mental, neurological and substance use disorders in non-specialized health settings, version 2.0. World Health Organization, 2016.
- Author
- Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MBBS, MD Psychiatry
- Medical reviewer
- Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MD Psychiatry
- Last reviewed
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for personal medical advice.
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