Temper Tantrums in Toddlers
Uploaded by kutiekay on Apr 04, 2013
Many parents experience bad behavior from toddlers and often try to seek ways to solve it. About twenty-three to 80 percent of toddlers have temper tantrums occasionally. Temper tantrums are emotional or physical ‘meltdowns’ seen in children ranging from the ages of two to four-years-old. The child can often be violent toward himself or others around him. Certain precautions are to be taken into consideration when a child is in this state. These behaviors may be a sign of mental or physical health problems such as seizures, learning disabilities or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Temper tantrums are often caused by tiredness, frustration, hunger or just a way of gaining attention or control of his environment. This problem can be solved by ignoring these behaviors or letting the child know of alternative ways to get rid of his anger and frustration.
Toddlers tend to be violent during tantrums. With the kicking, screaming, hitting, breath holding, or banging of the head on hard surfaces the child needs to be constantly monitored. Tantrums should be handled based on its cause. If trying to make a child stop his tantrums by hitting or spanking, this sends a message that physical punishment or using force is acceptable. Telling the child that is behavior is not acceptable or removing him from the environment is a more effective way to deal with the problem. Ignoring the tantrum can also be effective because by not giving in gives the child time to calm down.
Dr. David Kingsley, a consultant psychiatrist, speaks of ways to handle tantrums and how effective it is. In a recent interview with Dr. Mandy Fry for Pulse Clinical on Childhood Behavioral Problems, Dr. Kingsley explains:
Parents need to give the child enough space and time to calm down, but also to
comfort them. Holding a child who is angry and scared can help them feel safe and 'contained'. If the tantrum is extreme and is in a public place, the parent may want to move the child out of the way before trying to deal with the situation. (22)
Kingsley confirmed that lack of sleep does influence bad behaviors in children. One study found that two- and three-year-old children sleeping less than 10 hours in a 24-hour period were at greatest risk for behavioral problems such as oppositional or non-compliant behavior, ‘acting out’ and aggression (Kingsley 22).
Joshua Sparrow, M.D., is the director of special initiatives at the Brazelton...