They are short-lived and the reason is usually unimportant, but when they happen, it is common for parents to feel considerable pressure and stress, especially if they are in a public place. Childhood tantrums are children’s way of expressing feelings such as anger and impatience, although in an excessive way, since they are still learning to explore limits. However, although this is a normal thing that happens to many children between 1 and 3 years old, it is a childish behavior that should not be overlooked.
Tantrums represent a moment of rebellion, in which they do not want to accept the form of control that their parents impose on them. Or a mechanism that allows them to exercise control over their parents. However, there are more reasons why they may be creating that scene that usually makes parents so nervous. And the way in which they act in these situations will be key to the upbringing of the minor.
One of the main reasons why children have tantrums is because they want to get their parents’ attention. In this case, if they get what they want, they will understand that this is the way to ensure that their wishes are fulfilled, so you have to be aware of this so as not to spoil the child.
Another very common cause has to do with their inability to manage impatience, which leads them to want things at the moment and, if they don’t get it, they try to obtain it this way. Something similar happens when children feel frustrated and, not being able to have sufficient skills to deal with these feelings they are experiencing, they explode with a tantrum as a way of expressing themselves.
Tantrums can also occur to explore where their limits are and how far their independence goes. Or because they feel jealous.
UNICEF shares a series of recommendations for parents who are learning to deal with their children’s tantrums, since their way of reacting will be essential for the child’s development and upbringing.
The main and most important thing has to do with staying calm, that is, you should not respond to a child’s tantrum with an “adult tantrum.” The key is to contain and calm them, for example by hugging them. And avoid focusing on what caused the tantrum. But, above all, you should not give in, because, if you do, the child will understand that the tantrum was the solution to satisfy his desires. Therefore, it will resort to this method in the future, according to UNICEF.
