KEY POINTS
- According to raisingchildren.net.au, temper tantrums are normal for children aged 1 to 3 years old as they are still in the early stages of social, emotional, and language development.
- A tantrum is a way for children to express their feelings. They may throw tantrums because they are sad, hungry, tired, or feeling unwell. This behaviour is normal even in well-behaved children.
- A child's tantrums do not reflect the parent’s way of raising a child. Communication, patience, and love are all vital during challenging times of parenthood.
In this episode of Usapang Parental, Kinder teacher and mother of three, Nicky Pantillano shares tantrum triggers and strategies on how parents can help better understand their children’s tantrum.
According to Ms Pantillano, temper tantrums are intense emotional outbursts commonly displayed by young children, typically between the ages of 1 to 3 years old, although they can occur in older children as well. These outbursts often involve crying, screaming, kicking, hitting, and other forms of physical expression.
“Behaviour is a form of language so if they’re having a tantrum, they are trying to tell us something and we’re not really understanding them. It comes out as frustration, anger, and all sorts of behavioural issues.”
Tantrums can be triggered by various factors, such as frustration, fatigue, hunger, overstimulation, or a desire for independence. They are a natural part of child development and occur as children learn to cope with their emotions and communicate their needs and desires.
Don’t stop them from feeling their emotion
Ms. Pantillano says understanding these triggers can help caregivers anticipate and manage tantrums more effectively, providing support and guidance to children as they navigate their emotions and learn appropriate ways to express themselves.
"If they're emotional, give them their space. Once all the emotions have died down, that's the time you can talk to them about their feelings. Allow them to experience and process their emotions."
Ms. Pantillano suggests that parents can assist by following these steps:
- Allow their child to feel their emotions without interruption.
- Take the time to understand what's happening together.
- Prompt dialogue and engage in frequent communication.
- Put yourself in your child's shoes to empathise with their perspective.
- Utilise positive reinforcement and language to encourage positive behaviour.
Usapang Parental' is SBS Filipino's segment on parenting. It features the stories of migrant families, parenting issues, raising kids, and parenting tips and advice from experts.
The content provided is for informational purposes only and does not intend to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your GP or doctor for support.
