Tantrums are one of the most common concerns parents face during early childhood. Whether it’s a toddler crying loudly in a supermarket or a preschooler refusing to follow instructions at home, tantrums can feel overwhelming. However, understanding why tantrums happen can help parents manage them calmly and patiently. At CAPAAR, recognized as the Best Autism Centre in Bangalore for child development and behavior therapy, we help parents decode children’s emotions and provide practical strategies to handle these challenges.
What Are Tantrums?
A tantrum is an intense emotional outburst that a child uses when they cannot express their feelings through words or actions. This may include crying, screaming, kicking, throwing things, or refusing to cooperate.
Tantrums usually occur in children aged 1–6 years, a stage where emotional development grows faster than communication skills. Since children cannot always express what they feel, they rely on behavior to communicate frustration.
Why Do Tantrums Happen?
1. Limited Communication Skills
Young children often know what they want but cannot express it clearly. When their needs are misunderstood, they become frustrated, leading to a tantrum.
2. Emotional Overload
Children have big emotions but little control over them. Hunger, tiredness, overstimulation, or sudden changes can trigger an emotional meltdown.
3. Seeking Attention
Sometimes children use tantrums to gain attention, especially if they feel ignored or want immediate reassurance.
4. Desire for Independence
As kids grow, they want to make choices. When they’re not allowed or when their choices are rejected, tantrums can follow.
5. Inability to Deal With Frustration
Kids haven’t yet developed coping skills. Even small disappointments—like not getting a toy—can feel very big to them.
6. Developmental or Sensory Challenges
Children with developmental delays, ADHD, autism, or sensory issues may experience more frequent and intense tantrums.
This is where expert support from the Best Centre Centre in Bangalore, like CAPAAR, becomes highly valuable for parents.
How Parents Can Manage Tantrums
✔ Stay calm and avoid reacting emotionally.
✔ Acknowledge your child’s feelings (“I know you’re upset…”).
✔ Provide choices to reduce power struggles.
✔ Keep routines predictable to avoid triggers.
✔ Teach communication skills and emotion words.
✔ Reinforce positive behavior with praise.
If tantrums are frequent, extreme, or last beyond typical age ranges, professional evaluation can help.
5 Unique FAQs
1. Are tantrums normal for all children?
Yes, tantrums are a normal part of child development, especially between ages 1 and 6. They naturally reduce as communication skills improve.
2. When should parents worry about tantrums?
If tantrums last more than 15–20 minutes, cause harm, occur daily, or continue beyond age 6, it is advisable to seek help from a specialist.
3. Can tantrums indicate developmental delays?
Yes, frequent intense tantrums can sometimes be linked to conditions like autism, ADHD, or sensory processing difficulties. Early evaluation helps greatly.
4. What is the best way to calm a child during a tantrum?
Stay calm, ensure safety, and wait for the emotional storm to pass. Avoid reasoning during the tantrum. Once calm, discuss feelings and better coping ways.
5. How can CAPAAR help children with behavior issues?
CAPAAR offers child behavior therapy, developmental assessments, and personalized intervention plans, making it the Best Autism Centre in Bangalore for comprehensive child support.