Temper tantrums are a natural part of development for many children, especially during the preschool years. When children are not yet able to fully express their emotions, feel frustrated, or have unmet needs, they may respond with intense emotional reactions.

What is a Temper Tantrum?

A temper tantrum is an intense emotional outburst that may involve crying, screaming, lying on the floor, hitting, or throwing objects in response to anger, frustration, or stress. Tantrums are especially common between the ages of 2 and 5. During this stage of development, children are still learning how to recognize, regulate, and express their emotions.

Why Do Children Have Temper Tantrums?

Tantrums can have many different causes:

• Tiredness
• Hunger
• Frustration
• Not getting what they want
• A need for attention
• Difficulty expressing emotions
• Overstimulation

How Should You Respond During a Temper Tantrum?

Try to Stay Calm

When a child is experiencing intense emotions, a parent becoming angry can make the situation more difficult. Taking deep breaths and using a calm tone of voice helps the child feel safe.

Ensure Safety

If your child is behaving in a way that could cause harm to themselves or others, the first priority should be ensuring their safety. Whenever possible, avoid physical punishment or harsh interventions. Instead, calmly remove dangerous objects or guide your child to a safer environment.

Acknowledge Their Feelings

Try to understand what the child is feeling. Statements such as “You seem very angry right now” can help the child feel that their emotions are recognized.

Avoid Long Explanations

During a tantrum, a child may have difficulty listening to logical explanations. Therefore, using short and calm sentences may be more effective.

Talk After the Tantrum Has Passed

Once the child has calmed down, you can reflect on what happened together. Asking, “What else could we do next time you feel angry?” can support problem-solving skills.

Tantrums are a natural part of growing up for many children. A calm, consistent, and understanding approach from parents can help children recognize their emotions and learn to manage them in healthier ways over time.

References

Prutipaisan, W., Chunsuwan, I., Hansakunachai, T., & Sritipsukho, P. (2025).Characteristics of temper tantrums in 1–6-year-old children and impact on caregivers.
https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.00766

Sari, E., & Yalçın, S. S. (2024).Interplay of paternal caregiving and screen use habits on early childhood development and children’s tantrums.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13052-024-01802-x

Mo, J., van den Akker, A. L., Leijten, P., & Asscher, J. J. (2023).Parental discipline techniques and changes in observed temper tantrum severity in toddlers.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-022-01007-y

van den Akker, A. L., Hoffenaar, P., & Overbeek, G. (2022).Temper tantrums in toddlers and preschoolers: Longitudinal associations with adjustment problems.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9462137/

Carlson, G. A., Singh, M. K., Amaya-Jackson, L., Benton, T. D., Althoff, R. R., Bellonci, C., Bostic, J. Q., Chua, J. D., Findling, R. L., Galanter, C. A., Gerson, R. S., Sorter, M. T., Stringaris, A., Waxmonsky, J. G., & McClellan, J. M. (2023).Impairing emotional outbursts: What they are and what we should do about them.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2022.03.014