Welcome to the dreaded tantrum phase which most parents have experienced. This is a natural part of childhood development, but if left unchecked, can cause further issues later in life.
Most children argue, are disobedient to their elders, and act out. These are known as growing pains as children grow and grapple with boundaries and rules.
However, when tantrums persist well past a certain age and become routine, it’s time to act. Constant bouts of anger and rage are clear indicators that something’s wrong, and you, as a parent, should be mindful of this type of behaviour.
Tantrums in toddlers and preschoolers are often overlooked by parents and other adults and this can fester into a problematic issue well into their teenage years and beyond.
This usually happens when your child is exhausted or irritated, especially during daily routines like bath time, bedtime, feeding or getting dressed. Atypical tantrums, that is, uncommon outbursts, come out of nowhere or are so strong they leave your child drained. It should raise a red flag when it starts to occur often.
1. Your child is unable to control their emotions
This involves them lashing out, breaking things, shouting and screaming and generally being uncontrollable until you concede or find a way to calm them.
2. Anger directed towards people or objects
A child may occasionally try to hit or kick a caregiver or sibling or even the parent. If this starts becoming the norm during an outburst, that’s a worrying sign.
3. Long-lasting outbursts
If the outbursts often carry on for more than 25 minutes, there may be a deeper problem. Also, if you’re experiencing several tantrums a day, that’s another red flag.
4. Your child attempts to hurt themselves
Disturbing signs include them scratching or biting themselves, hitting their head against the wall or threatening to injure themselves in any way.
5. Tantrums when out of the home
It’s every parent’s nightmare when their child lashes out in public. If this also starts becoming commonplace to the point that they are completely uncontrollable, it’s time to find the reason why – and the solution.
Your child will probably be very sensitive after a tantrum. Older kids will have some awareness of their behaviour.
Although it's uncommon, your doctor might assess other health issues that contribute to the tantrums. Children may occasionally be more prone to tantrums due to hearing or visual issues, chronic sickness, language difficulties or learning disabilities.
Keep in mind that tantrums aren’t always a reason for concern: tantrums are a developmental milestone and usually end on their own. It happens naturally as children develop self-control and maturity as they get older. They gain essential skills in communication, cooperation, and hopefully, learn how to productively cope with frustration from your parenting techniques.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, and usage of any medication.