Introduction

From time to time all young children will whine, complain, resist, cling, argue, hit, shout, run, and defy their and parents and caregivers. Temper tantrums are normal; every parent can expect to witness some temper tantrums in their children from the first year through about age four. However, tantrums can become upsetting because they are embarrassing, challenging, and difficult to manage. At home, there are predictable situations that can be expected to trigger temper tantrums in individual children. These may include bedtime, suppertime, getting up, getting dressed, bath time, watching TV, parent on the phone, visitors at the house, family visiting another house, car rides, public places, family activities involving siblings, interactions with peers, and playtime. On average, temper tantrums are equally common in boys and girls, and over half of young children will have one or more per week.

Temper tantrums can become special problems if they occur with greater frequency, intensity, and duration than are typical for children of that child's age. This article will help parents and caregivers understand "normal" tantrum behavior, how to best intervene, and how to determine when a child's tantrums may signal more serious problems.

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