Temper tantrums are an almost universal experience for parents of young children. They’re dramatic, loud, and often emotionally draining. That being said, they’re also a normal part of early childhood development. Many parents may ask, why do temper tantrums happen? The simple answer is that young children are challenged by emotions they are not yet equipped to handle. As they encounter new emotions, they struggle to communicate them properly, leading to a temper tantrum. 

This article focuses on normalizing these outbursts and reassuring parents that they should not be overly concerned. Yes, if these issues persist past a certain age, they can indicate an underlying issue, but that is not always the case. From a psychological standpoint, tantrums are a child’s emotional release. Some techniques have been proposed to help parents manage these temper tantrums. Examples include staying calm, creating structure through routines, and redirecting energy by offering distractions. It’s important for parents to remember that tantrums are a phase, not a permanent behavior pattern. 

Interested in reading more? Click the link here to read the full article! 

 

Rachel Silverman 

UConn KIDS, Research Assistant 

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