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How do I know if my child's tantrums are normal or his fits of anger are a
bigger problem or concern?
Answer -- provided by Stacie Spies Matz, Psy D, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Temper tantrums are a common behavior in preschool children and usually begin
around 2 or 3 years of age and start to decline by age 4. Tantrum behaviors
generally last for about a year. Children in the early preschool years begin to
express their anger in tantrums by lying on the floor, kicking, screaming, crying,
and occasionally holding their breath. Tantrums are a natural expression of
anger, especially in children who are not able to express themselves verbally.
Also, a child's ability to tolerate frustration and his/her patience level contribute to
tantrum behaviors as does his/her ability to understand another person's point of
view.
Children throw tantrums for a variety of reasons, some of which may require
professional help. Some children throw tantrums due to family problems,
inconsistent parenting, marital problems, emotional problems for the parent
and/or child, sibling rivalry, speech and language problems, or being hungry or
tired. Seeking help from a professional can help provide new strategies and/or
techniques to manage tantrum behaviors by helping to decrease their frequency
and/or intensity.
Sometimes, temper tantrums in preschool are the beginning of patterns that lead
to children becoming increasingly more disobedient, rebellious, and aggressive
as they grow older. If tantrums last longer than 20 minutes, occur multiple times
a day or per week, and the child is not able to calm down either by distraction,
time outs, limits or consequences, this may be cause for concern. If tantrums last
for up to 30 minutes to an hour, and occur multiple times a week and/or per day,
seek professional help. A professional can help with both behavioral strategies
that can curb angry outbursts for parent/caregiver and child, as well as help both
the parent/caregiver and child gain a better understanding about the roots of the
child's anger.
In summary, most tantrums and angry outbursts come and go as children grow
and their ability to use language and solve problems using words increases.
Occasionally, fits of anger and violence persist into elementary school and may
signal a more serious problem that may require the assistance of a physician,
psychologist and/or therapist.
bigger problem or concern?
Answer -- provided by Stacie Spies Matz, Psy D, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Temper tantrums are a common behavior in preschool children and usually begin
around 2 or 3 years of age and start to decline by age 4. Tantrum behaviors
generally last for about a year. Children in the early preschool years begin to
express their anger in tantrums by lying on the floor, kicking, screaming, crying,
and occasionally holding their breath. Tantrums are a natural expression of
anger, especially in children who are not able to express themselves verbally.
Also, a child's ability to tolerate frustration and his/her patience level contribute to
tantrum behaviors as does his/her ability to understand another person's point of
view.
Children throw tantrums for a variety of reasons, some of which may require
professional help. Some children throw tantrums due to family problems,
inconsistent parenting, marital problems, emotional problems for the parent
and/or child, sibling rivalry, speech and language problems, or being hungry or
tired. Seeking help from a professional can help provide new strategies and/or
techniques to manage tantrum behaviors by helping to decrease their frequency
and/or intensity.
Sometimes, temper tantrums in preschool are the beginning of patterns that lead
to children becoming increasingly more disobedient, rebellious, and aggressive
as they grow older. If tantrums last longer than 20 minutes, occur multiple times
a day or per week, and the child is not able to calm down either by distraction,
time outs, limits or consequences, this may be cause for concern. If tantrums last
for up to 30 minutes to an hour, and occur multiple times a week and/or per day,
seek professional help. A professional can help with both behavioral strategies
that can curb angry outbursts for parent/caregiver and child, as well as help both
the parent/caregiver and child gain a better understanding about the roots of the
child's anger.
In summary, most tantrums and angry outbursts come and go as children grow
and their ability to use language and solve problems using words increases.
Occasionally, fits of anger and violence persist into elementary school and may
signal a more serious problem that may require the assistance of a physician,
psychologist and/or therapist.
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Parenting Questions & Answers - Tantrums
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