Tantrums are a normal part of early childhood – but for many parents, they can also be confusing, frustrating, and even concerning. You might find yourself wondering:

“Is this behaviour normal?”
“Should my child still be having tantrums at this age?”
“Is there something more going on?”

At LEAP Centre, we support families across Sydney’s Northern Beaches with strategies to understand and manage emotional outbursts in a developmentally appropriate way. Here’s what you need to know.

🧠 What Is a Tantrum?

A tantrum is an intense emotional outburst in response to frustration, disappointment, or overstimulation. It can include:

  • Crying or screaming
  • Hitting, kicking, or throwing
  • Refusing to listen or follow instructions
  • Lying on the ground or running away

Tantrums are your child’s way of saying “This is too much for me right now” – especially when they don’t yet have the words or tools to manage their feelings.

📊 What's Normal for Tantrums?

Tantrums are most common between 18 months and 4 years. They often:

  • Last between 2-10 minutes
  • Happen once a day or a few times a week
  • Reduce in frequency and intensity as language, self-regulation, and emotional maturity improve

✅ Examples of typical tantrums:

  • Meltdown over putting on shoes
  • Screaming when they can’t have a snack right now
  • Crying and collapsing in the supermarket aisle

🚩 When to Be Concerned

Some tantrums may signal an underlying challenge, especially if they:

  • Last longer than 15-20 minutes
  • Involve aggression toward others or self
  • Occur very frequently (multiple times a day, every day)
  • Happen in multiple settings (home, daycare, playground)
  • Continue past the age of 5
  • Seem triggered by minor frustrations or no clear reason
  • Are accompanied by speech delays, sensory sensitivities, or social challenges

In these cases, it’s worth seeking guidance to rule out:

  • Sensory processing difficulties
  • Language or communication delays
  • Neurodevelopmental conditions like autism or ADHD
  • Emotional regulation difficulties

💡 Tips for Managing Tantrums at Home

Here are some simple, effective strategies parents can try:

🫶 1. Stay Calm
Your child’s nervous system looks to yours. Model calm breathing and a neutral tone, even when they’re overwhelmed.

⏳ 2. Acknowledge the Feeling
Say: “You’re feeling really frustrated because we can’t go to the park right now. That’s hard.”
Naming the feeling helps your child build emotional awareness.

🔁 3. Set Clear, Consistent Boundaries
Avoid giving in to unreasonable demands mid-tantrum – this teaches that tantrums “work.”

🧺 4. Look for Triggers
Is your child tired, hungry, overstimulated, or transitioning between activities? Identifying patterns helps prevent meltdowns.

🧸 5. Teach Coping Tools
Practice calming strategies like:

  • Deep belly breaths
  • Counting to 5
  • Hugging a favourite soft toy
  • Quiet time in a calm-down corner

🧩 How LEAP Centre Can Help

At LEAP Centre, we support families through:

  • Emotional regulation programs
  • Sensory processing assessments
  • Speech therapy to improve communication around emotions
  • Parent coaching and strategies tailored to your child

Our occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and child development specialists work closely with families to build the tools, language, and confidence children need to manage big emotions.

🤝 Still Unsure If It's Normal?

You’re not alone – many families wonder if their child’s behaviour is within typical development. If you’re concerned, trust your instincts. Early support makes a big difference.

📞 Contact our team at LEAP Centre in Frenchs Forest to book a consultation or learn more about our emotional regulation support services.

Let’s help your child leap forward with confidence.