One such behavioral issue is the proverbial toddler temper tantrum.
What is a Temper Tantrum?
When a child does not get his way and becomes emotionally and physically out of control as a direct result you have a classic temper tantrum. A temper tantrum is a negative emotional reaction involving such behaviors as crying, screaming, hitting, kicking and breath holding. Temper tantrums are equally common in girls and boys and occur in children between the ages of 1 and 4.
Types of Tempter Tantrums
Not all temper tantrums are alike. They range from somewhat mild to severe and vary in length from a few seconds to much longer. Some childcare professionals may try to differentiate between certain types of emotional reactions labeling some as tantrums and others as meltdowns. Some categorize meltdowns as uncontrollable emotional reactions and tantrums as intentional behaviors designed to help kids get what they want.
“In practice, this distinction is very difficult to make and from my point of view is somewhat irrelevant. If a child melts down or tantrums, it means they did not have a better way to handle a situation”, says Dr. Jed Baker author of No More Meltdowns: Positive Strategies for Managing and Preventing Out-Of-Control Behavior [Future Horizons, 2008].
The Cause of Temper Tantrums
The primary cause of tantrums is frustration. Preschool aged children do not yet have the skills to cope with many challenging situations. “For many preschoolers, language is not fully developed and thus they may express their protests, wishes, or frustration by "acting out" rather than explaining what they feel or want,” says Dr. Baker. Preschool aged children will also throw tantrums when they are tired, hungry, uncomfortable or seeking attention.
In order to gain clarity on temper tantrums, preschool teachers might consider how their frustration as an adult manifests itself. “Perhaps there are times when you have kicked an object, slammed a door or thrown a glass out of frustration. This is an adult version of a temper tantrum,” says Dr. Joyce Willard Teal author of Are You Raising the Next Generation of Hoodlums?
In addition to language challenges, self-control is not yet fully developed. Impulsivity is normal in toddlers and preschoolers; all preschoolers have a tendency to act before they think. The ability to reflect and plan before acting develops with age.
“In the process trying to master their world and when they aren't able to accomplish a task, toddlers sometimes use one of the only tools at their disposal for venting frustration: temper tantrum,” says Dr. Teal.
The key to managing temper tantrums is to focus on making the situation less stressful for the child and/or teach them a better way to handle their emotions.
Carla Snuggs - As a writer for Suite101.com since 2005, it is a privilege to continue on as theTopic Editor for the subject of Day Care. I received a ...
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