Tantrums

Necessary for Child’s Development.

We’ve all been there: pushing the shopping cart through Target when suddenly your toddler is screaming and squirming over a toy that they want but can not have.  Tantrums are a very normal part of a child’s development.  They serve as a means for children to express their emotions and communicate their needs when they lack the necessary verbal skills.  Too often, we think children are throwing tantrums to bother us.  This is not the case at all.  This is their way of telling us that the world is not going their way. 

Developmentally speaking, tantrums play a very significant role in emotional and cognitive growth, so as frustrating as they can be, understand that they are healthy and necessary!  Tantrums allow our children to learn emotional self-regulation, problem-solving and impulse control.  Over time, children will develop coping skills and a better understanding of their emotional states.  We can help our children in this development by modeling healthy emotional expression and providing a calm and supportive environment during tantrums. 

During tantrums, we must remain calm. If we react with frustration or anger, our child’s frustration will be exacerbated.  Offering comfort, reassurance and empathy can help children feel understood and validated, which will allow them to calm their emotions.  Distraction is an effective technique as well. Try to engage your child in a different activity or offer a favorite toy.  Another important piece is setting clear boundaries and establishing consistent routines.  Children need to know what is expected of them in order to feel safe.  

We can teach our children alternative ways to express their emotions, such as using words or engaging in calming activities, which can empower them to communicate effectively and manage their feelings constructively. Please keep in mind that tantrums are a very normal part of early childhood development, providing our children with the opportunity to develop essential skills.  By understanding their triggers, remaining calm and employing effective strategies, we can navigate these early years of frustration in ways that promote healthy emotional growth and strengthen our relationship with our children.