Tantrums are a common behavioral phenomenon in children, especially in the early stages of childhood.
In many cases, these tantrums are a normal part of a child's psychological and emotional development. However, their frequent or violent occurrence may indicate a behavioral or psychological problem that requires early intervention. Anger is not a wrong feeling, but it becomes worrisome when a child loses control of it and affects their relationships and interactions with those around them.
What are tantrums in children?
Tantrums are sudden, intense emotional outbursts that occur in children in the form of crying, screaming, throwing objects, or refusing to respond to commands. They often occur when a child feels frustrated, tired, or doesn't understand what they want.
Causes of tantrums in children
The causes vary depending on the child's age and psychological and social circumstances. The most important include:
- Frustration when the child is unable to express themselves.
- Fatigue or hunger.
- A desire for attention.
- Strict rules or a sudden change in routine.
- Imitating behaviors seen in adults or other children.
- Psychological problems such as anxiety or stress.
- Behavioral disorders such as hyperactivity and attention deficit.
Symptoms of tantrums in children
Tantrums are characterized by obvious behaviors such as:
- Intense screaming for no apparent reason.
- Hitting or biting oneself or others.
- Throwing or breaking objects.
- Refusing orders and withdrawing into oneself.
- Rapid breathing and a red face.
- The condition lasts from a few minutes to half an hour or more.
Methods for Diagnosing Tantrums in Children
Diagnosis is made through:
- Interviewing the child and their parents.
- Observing the frequency, duration, and intensity of the tantrums.
- Ruling out psychological or physical disorders.
- Using psychological scales to measure emotional behavior.
- Evaluating the family environment and parenting style.
Complications that can result if tantrums are not addressed
If early intervention is not provided, tantrums can lead to:
- Difficulties with social interaction.
- Chronic behavioral problems at school or at home.
- Deterioration of the relationship between the child and their parents.
- Low self-esteem.
- Emergence of other disorders such as anxiety or depression.
Medications to treat tantrums in children
Medications are usually only used when there is a psychological disorder associated with the tantrums. These include:
- Serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine.
- Stimulants for hyperactivity, such as methylphenidate.
- Anti-anxiety medications in some cases.
Caution: No medication should be used without a thorough medical evaluation and specialist supervision.
Effective Strategies to Treat Tantrums in Children
- Training the child to express their feelings verbally.
- Using positive reinforcement when behavior improves.
- Ignoring minor tantrums and not giving in to the child's wishes during them.
- Organizing the child's daily routine to reduce stress.
- Breathing and calming exercises.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy with a specialized psychologist.
- Participating in family counseling sessions to train parents on proper coping techniques.
Ways to Prevent Temper Tantrums in Children
There are several ways to prevent them:
- Teaching children from an early age how to express their feelings.
- Providing a safe and stable environment at home.
- Respecting the child's feelings and not belittling them.
- Giving the child the opportunity to make simple decisions.
- Reducing strict orders and relying on dialogue.
- Avoiding hitting or threatening children when raising children.
Do tantrums affect academic performance?
Yes, frequent tantrums can lead to:
- Difficulty concentrating in class.
- Problems with teachers and peers.
- Poor academic performance due to a lack of social skills.
- Refusal to go to school in some cases.
How can we help a child succeed academically despite tantrums?
We can help improve a child's academic performance through:
- Cooperation between home and school to monitor the child's behavior.
- Developing an individualized plan at school that helps reduce stress.
- Encouraging the child to achieve small milestones.
- Providing ongoing psychological and educational support.
- Teaching the child strategies for controlling their anger in school situations.
The Role of Parents in Dealing with Tantrums
Parents play a significant and important role in supporting their child during tantrums by:
- Exercising patience and not responding with similar anger.
- Observing the pattern of tantrums and the timing of their occurrence.
- Teaching the child alternative behaviors to relieve anger.
- Using stories and games to teach emotions.
- Consulting a specialist if the condition persists or worsens.
Article Summary
Tantrums in children are a normal part of emotional development, but they can become a problem if they occur excessively or affect the child's behavior. Their causes vary, including environmental factors, parenting styles, and psychological stress. They can be reduced through a proper understanding of their causes and the use of appropriate educational and therapeutic strategies.
In some cases, the child may require psychological or even medical intervention if the tantrums are part of another disorder. The role of parents and schools remains pivotal in helping the child overcome these tantrums and build their emotional capacity in a healthy way.