What does a temper tantrum look like?

[pinotgrig]

I think G has been throwing these lately (just turned 1). When he doesn't get his way, he will scream, cry, and flop down on the floor. I give him a definite A for effort; he's quite dramatic. They usually start when I put him down, which happens every day when we get home. I have to put him down to let the dog out, get changed, etc. He always holds his arms up (pick me up) and I feel like a jerk ignoring him. Redirecting has not proven very helpful - he throws the toys I hand him.

What am I supposed to do here? Also, are tantrums related to "spiritedness"' or is this normal kid behavior? I feel ridiculous asking these questions but his displays of emotion are weird to see all of a sudden, lol.

What do your kid's (or kids') tantrums look like? Does your response to them vary based on the situation?

[Deleted]

Yup those are tantrums. Welcome to the club

Tantrums are normal. Pretty much all kids have them. Ignoring them and redirection works well with some kids. "Spiritedness" has to do with the level of a child's intensity in any given situation, not just tantrums.

[rugbywife]

I fear that E's lack of full blown tantrums are a result of me just caving.

[luv2rn4fun]

C just turned 6 months and it's already starting. When changing his diaper he wants to roll onto his tummy (everytime he's on his back the past 5 days he wants to be on his tummy...it's his new learned skill)...anyways, I will roll him back and he starts screaming and immediately rolling back to his tummy. I have tried giving him toys and teethers and so far that works for the few seconds it takes to change his diaper.

[nessness]

When I won't let DD have something she wants she throws herself backward in a dramatic fashion and wails. She's 8 months. Toddlerhood is going to be fun. :/

[patbutcher]

Yep, when I take something away from dd, she likes to have a meltdown but she forgets about it in a few minutes especially if I distract her with something else. I'm dreading when she starts having the full blown toddler meltdowns.

[redheadk]

Jun 23, 2015 17:21:23 GMT -5 @littlemoxie said:

Jun 23, 2015 17:19:08 GMT -5 rugbywife said:

I fear that E's lack of full blown tantrums are a result of me just caving.

Nope, it could just be the kid.  Or maybe she's not at that age yet.  DS started at around 17 months or so, and even now he just runs in place/stomps his feet for a few seconds and sometimes gently lowers himself to the floor and cries there.  No kicking, very little screaming, and easily calmed.  I say "sorry, that's life" a lot, so it's not caving that's the issue.

Yep, my dd goes in another room and splays out face first on the floor. She's pretty much silent. It's hysterical. I just tell her that I'll be in the kitchen when she's done and to come find me.

[simpsongal]

DS has taken to throwing things in anger. There was a full tantrum this morning - he cried and rolled around on the dog's bed because I took away a sharp broken spring from a clothes hanger.

[daisy24342]

Ugh I am sorry. I'm right there with you, except my 21 month old is now taking it to the next level this week. Im hoping its more canine teeth related than the fact he is almost two.

Today He screamed at lunch, ( I honestly forget what set him off) , pulled him off booster chair, placed him in thr floor and said " take some time calm down". I was about to lose it myself and I had to leave the room. Once we both calmed down we had a talk, and then finished lunch. His crying, screaming, kicking , etc.....ugh I can't imagine what will happen at 2 or 3.

[irish]

Dd1? She just stood in the corner and gave us the silent treatment. Practice for her teenage years?

Dd2 is hilarious! If she doesn't get what she wants. She places herself carefully in a prostrate, face down position on the floor and then thumps the floor with her hands and feet. And screams. Checks if anyone is paying attention and then stops when she realises she's not getting any attention. Thankfully she hasn't done this too often and she's nearly 21mths now.