Understanding Kids and Tantrum

You are sitting at the dining table having your dessert. Looking at you is your toddler, whom you have already told cannot have another cookie after finishing a whole pack. Her eyes were filled with tears about to drop. She is stomping her feet across the whole house as she gave out a loud shout that can be heard by your neighbors. Your husband ran down the stairs only to see the child rolling on the floor of the kitchen.

Many parents have experienced something like this before. Yours might even be because you refused to buy a fruit snack for your child while you were at the supermarket. Tantrum for every kid might be in different forms; crying, screaming, hitting, rolling on the floor, stomping. Some children tend to even get physical by biting, throwing, and breaking things. 

Why do tantrums happen? 

If this is the first time your child has displayed such an attitude, do not be worried. Tantrum throwing is prevalent among kids, especially those between the ages of 1 – 4. As young ones, they are still unable to express certain emotions with words. So throwing tantrum is one of the ways they can express how they feel exactly about such situations. 

For older children that display tantrums, this might be because they have not been able to learn the best way to express their feelings over certain issues. What can cause tantrum in toddlers and older children;

• Kids that are hyperactive, moody, or react quickly to events are more prone to tantrum.

• For some, throwing tantrum is just a way of getting what they want. (Will dad buy me that toy if I cry?).

• A situation that some find it hard to cope in; like seeing another kid play with their toys.

• Extreme emotions (anger, shame, fear, worry); since they are still young and cannot control their feelings.

So while you might feel there is no way around getting your children to stop, there are things that might help reduce them;

• For kids that are hyperactive and tend to react quickly to situations, refrain from putting them in situations that would stress them.

• Note your child’s feelings. As a parent, you should be aware of how your kids react or show their feelings. Once you are able to identify this, then you will be able to sense when they are about to throw tantrums. 

• After identifying the triggers for your child’s tantrum, it helps you to prepare ahead. For instance, if you know your kid will always cry at the supermarket, it is better to go to the supermarket when your child is napping or after they might have had a snack.