A sudden episode of bad behaviour, usually in a child, where the child throws things or lies on the floor and screams.
A sudden outbreak of rage or unruly behavior. In an adult who is out of control, it may be a sign of a psychiatric disorder. Tantrums are common among small children, who sometimes use crying, screaming, and kicking to express frustration, anger, or disappointment. Tantrums are a normal part of development between the ages of 1 and 3. As children learn greater self-control, they ordinarily outgrow tantrums by age 4 or 5.
A sudden episode of disruptive behavior often observed in toddlers, typically signaling feelings of frustration and anger. During such a tantrum, the child might engage in activities like screaming, crying, shouting, kicking, pounding their fists and feet, writhing on the ground, turning red-faced, spitting, and even biting. A few toddlers may hold their breath until they turn blue and, in exceptional cases, may briefly lose consciousness.
Tantrums tend to emerge when a child reaches the stage of seeking independence and gets frustrated due to the limitations set by others. This usually occurs before the child has developed the ability to express their emotions and thoughts verbally. These outbursts are more prone to happen when the child is tired or when their regular routine is disrupted, such as when a new sibling is born. It’s completely normal for a child to occasionally have tantrums, but if these outbursts happen frequently, it could suggest an underlying behavioral issue or trouble with communication.
It’s crucial to handle the child firmly and consistently. Whenever possible, tantrums should be disregarded, and the child’s focus can often be redirected towards a game or a project. As children develop the capacity to express their emotions, most of them naturally outgrow tantrum behaviors.