.
Set delivery address
Change
Set delivery address
Change
22 - 24 months

The positive side of tantrums

05 March 2020 | By Lisa Witepski

They’re the bane of every parent’s life, but tantrums are an important – not to mention unavoidable – part of growing up for every child.

/medias/24-months-Are-tantrums-healthy-123rf-138379307-s.jpg?context=bWFzdGVyfEFydGljbGVJbWFnZXN8NTAyMTJ8aW1hZ2UvanBlZ3xBcnRpY2xlSW1hZ2VzL2g1YS9oNWYvOTY4NjM1OTE0NjUyNi5qcGd8NTA5MmVlNDU1YmNjNmYzY2VlZDcwZDFiMWIzMmFlMTZkOGIzMjI0YWNhMzIwNWEwOTkzZThlYTE0NzViOTRlMw

Many a parent has gritted their teeth through a seemingly endless session of screaming, crying and foot stomping – and chances are that every single one of them has wondered why they have to endure this behaviour.

Tantrums are a normal part of childhood development

The answer to that question, according to Timann Esterhuizen, a parenting coach at Munchkins, is that tantrums are a normal part of childhood development. 

“Tantrums are common, particularly between the ages of one and three,” she explains, adding that it is usually frustration that turns your cherub into a howling monster. 

This is heightened by their restricted ability to communicate needs and emotions fully at this stage. The situation is often further exacerbated by your toddler’s growing realisation that they have control over certain things.

They’re learning how to say “no”

It’s not surprising that this rocky stage has been dubbed “the first adolescence” and, interestingly, children of this age are learning an essential skill that will be put to the test during their second adolescence: the ability to say “no”. 

“This is turbulent, but healthy for their development,” says Esterhuizen. Tantrums may also provide teachable moments, because they provide an opportunity for parents to discuss and demonstrate more appropriate responses.

Nonetheless, tantrums are obviously not an ideal reaction to a challenge. “Just because they are normal, doesn’t mean they should be allowed,” Esterhuizen states. “Tantrumming behaviour that is not sorted out at an early age tends to make a reappearance during the teenage years, and far exceeds anything your toddler could produce.”

How can you help your child learn from the experience? 

“Assist by teaching them to “use their words” and verbalise their emotions. This will help them understand what they are feeling and why,” Esterhuizen suggests. 

Try drawing pictures of faces with different emotions and turning this into a story, which explains feelings. At the same time, don’t miss out on the chance to explain how the situation could be handled differently.

Understanding where the behavior is coming from, and how it may ultimately benefit your relationship with your child, may help you keep your patience and tolerance in check when they are being sorely tested by a meltdown. 

IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com

Latest Promotions

See all promotions