How to Know if Your Child is Having a Temper Tantrum

The dreaded temper tantrum is pretty easy to spot. Here are some typical examples of a temper tantrum.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Child is throwing things, pushing things or kicking things. This child may even be pushing or kicking people or other children.

2. Child is crying and/or screaming. This child is probably screaming or crying about nothing much at all yet the crying and screaming goes on and on.

3. Child is laying on the floor kicking or rolling around. Your chid may look as if he or she is experiencing a mental illness, physical illness or worse.

4. Child is not listening to anything you say or do. No matter what you say to this child to console, it is not working.

5. If your child is experiencing all of these things and you have ruled out illness, your child is most likely having a temper tantrum. GOOD LUCK TO YOU!

Tips & Warnings

• If your child is experiencing a temper tantrum, try putting the child down for a nap. Usually, but not always, these children are over tired and need some rest.
• Spanking or other forms of physical punishment will not do any good for a child throwing a tantrum. If you find yourself loosing control, perhaps the best thing to do is put the kid down for a nap and get some rest yourself. Its perfectly normal to feel stressed out during these times but it is never a good idea to lose control and become physical with a child. If you need a break, call a family member, friend or neighbor.

[Bfastattiffanys]

on 10/27/2008 Nice article. I am just starting to deal with this. Looks like they are full on temper tantrums. Yikes! 5 *'s

[JesaLynn]

on 10/24/2008 Great article, and funny in the way that I will hopefully not have to deal with anytime soon. Thanks, 5*'s!