27/12/2022
Toddlers often experience temper tantrums starting around 18 months of age. These tantrums can involve behaviors such as hitting and biting, as toddlers may have difficulty expressing themselves and may become frustrated as a result. As a child's language skills develop and they are able to communicate more effectively, tantrums become less frequent. By the age of 4, tantrums are much less common.
Tantrums may happen when kids are tired, hungry, or uncomfortable. They can have a meltdown because they can't have something they want (like a toy or candy) or can’t get someone to do what they want (like getting a parent to pay attention to them immediately or getting a sibling to give up the tablet). Learning to deal with frustration is a skill that children gain over time.
Toddlers want independence and control over their environment — more than they can actually handle. This can lead to power struggles as a child thinks "I can do it myself" or "I want it, give it to me." When kids discover that they can't do it and can't have everything they want, they may have a tantrum.
How Can We Avoid Tantrums?
- Give plenty of positive attention
- Try to give toddlers some control over little things
- Keep off-limits objects out of sight and out of reach
- Distract your child
- Help kids learn new skills and succeed
- Consider the request carefully when your child wants something
