Child Temper Tantrums

​What Counts as a Temper Tantrum?

 

Temper tantrums can vary from child to child, but may include:

• Screaming, yelling, or crying that escalates quickly

• Hitting, kicking, throwing objects, or physical aggression

• Refusal to follow instructions or sudden defiance

• Running away, shutting down, or hiding

• Destruction of property or dangerous behavior

• Long episodes of dysregulation that seem to come out of nowhere

 

Tantrums are developmentally normal in young children—but when they are happening frequently, feel out of proportion to the situation, or continue into later childhood or adolescence, they may signal a need for extra support.

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Why Do Tantrums Happen?

 

We believe all behavior is communication. Tantrums often occur when a child is:

• Overwhelmed by big emotions they cannot yet express or manage

• Struggling with anxiety, frustration, or shame

• Experiencing sensory overload or difficulty with transitions

• Feeling disconnected, unheard, or out of control

• Navigating challenges related to ADHD, autism, trauma, or mood differences

• Reacting to changes at home, in school, or in peer relationships

 

In older children or teens, what may appear to be a “tantrum” could reflect chronic dysregulation, learned behavior, or a sign of underlying emotional distress.

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Our Approach

 

At Etheridge Psychology, we take a child-centered, trauma-informed, and developmentally respectful approach to tantrums. We do not see these moments as “bad behavior”—we see them as opportunities for growth, insight, and healing.

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We help children and teens:

• Understand their emotions and how to express them safely

• Build frustration tolerance and coping skills

• Learn calming strategies and emotional language

• Strengthen impulse control and self-awareness

• Feel heard, supported, and not shamed for their reactions

 

We also work closely with caregivers to:

• Identify triggers and patterns

• Shift discipline strategies from reactive to responsive

• Set limits with consistency and warmth

• Repair ruptures and strengthen the parent-child bond

• Support healthy emotional development at every age

 

Whether your child is having tantrums that seem “too big for their age,” or your teen is melting down in ways that feel familiar from their early years, we are here to help you understand what is happening—and what to do about it.

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Let’s Build a Calmer Path Forward

 

If your child’s tantrums are disrupting daily life or leaving you feeling unsure how to respond, reach out to Etheridge Psychology in Cary, NC. Together, we can create a plan for lasting emotional support and peace at home.