When Tantrums Signal More Serious Problems

Despite parents' diligent efforts to prevent and defuse tantrums, for some children these outbursts may increase in frequency, intensity, or duration. Particularly if the child is self-injurious, hurtful to others, depressed, exhibits low self-esteem, or is overly dependent on a parent or teacher for support, it's time to consult your health care provider. Your pediatrician or family physician can check for hearing or vision problems or illness, or refer you to a specialist to rule out a behavioral or developmental disorder. Most communities have professionals who specialize in severe behavior problems in young children. For help connecting with an appropriate provider, consult your child's pediatrician, local school psychologist or preschool teacher.

Tantrums may indeed be a normal part of childhood, but their impact on family life can be minimized by some planning, modeling problem solving skills, consistent discipline strategies, and patience. Usually this stormy period will blow over as your child becomes more secure, confident and capable-in other words, as your child grows up!

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