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Anger outbursts in children

Medical expert of the article

Pediatrician
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

Temper tantrums are strong emotional outbursts, usually in response to disappointment in expectations.

Temper tantrums usually begin toward the end of the first year of life, are most common between the ages of 2 (the "terrible twos") and 4, and are rare after age 5. If temper tantrums develop frequently in a child over age 5, they may persist throughout childhood.

Causes include frustration, tiredness, and hunger. Children may also have outbursts when they want attention, want something, or want to avoid doing something. Parents often blame themselves for these outbursts (due to perceived insufficient parenting and discipline), although the true cause is often a combination of the child's personality, immediate circumstances, and normal age-appropriate behavior. Mental, physical, or social problems are rarely the cause of tantrums, but are likely if the outburst lasts more than 15 minutes or occurs many times a day, every day.

Temper tantrums may include screaming, crying, rolling on the floor, stomping feet, and throwing objects. The child's face may turn red and he or she may kick and thrash. Some children may deliberately hold their breath for a few seconds and then return to normal breathing (as opposed to breath-holding spells).

To stop the outburst, parents should simply and persistently ask the child to do so. If the child does not stop and if his behavior is sufficiently violent, the child can simply be physically carried away. In this case, the "time-out" technique can be very effective.

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