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Child Behavior (Expert Forum)
Temper Tantrums
Answered by
Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D. - Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Crisis Intervention
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
This forum is for questions and support regarding child behavior issues such: Child Discipline (behavior management), Normal Child Development, Parent-Child Communications, Social Development
Temper Tantrums
by Kelly Ferrick, Oct 22, 1999 12:00AM
My 20 month old son has been experiencing temper tantrums for about 5 months, but they are getting progressively worse. He now has between 4 - 8 tantrums a day, where he needs to be removed from an sensory activities and calmed down. I understand that temper tantrums are normal for his age, but these seem extreme. Often these tantrums don't seem to be caused by a particular incident. He's in daycare, and I don't see or hear about the other children having such problems.
I've also been told that it's more difficult for him to transition from one activity to another like the other kids in his class.
Should I be concerned about a possible behavioural problem, or just stick it out and hope things get better as he gets older?
I've also been told that it's more difficult for him to transition from one activity to another like the other kids in his class.
Should I be concerned about a possible behavioural problem, or just stick it out and hope things get better as he gets older?
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D., Oct 23, 1999 12:00AM
, Oct 23, 1999 12:00AM
Dear Ms. Ferrick,
To some extent, tantrums are the order of the day for a child of nearly two years. Not that all 20-month-olds display them, but it's not unusual, either.
The important thing is how to manage them. When they are non-destructive in nature (i.e., he is simply fussing and making noise), they're best ignored. If they are destructive in nature (i.e., he is hurting himself, hurting others, or throwing things), he'll need to be restrained from doing so.
Children so young do not manage frustration very well. They don't yet have the impulse control or the ability to manage anger that they will later develop.
To some extent, tantrums are the order of the day for a child of nearly two years. Not that all 20-month-olds display them, but it's not unusual, either.
The important thing is how to manage them. When they are non-destructive in nature (i.e., he is simply fussing and making noise), they're best ignored. If they are destructive in nature (i.e., he is hurting himself, hurting others, or throwing things), he'll need to be restrained from doing so.
Children so young do not manage frustration very well. They don't yet have the impulse control or the ability to manage anger that they will later develop.
I can't respond to your concern without more information. If you will add more details I can try to be helpful