Traveling with a toddler can be delightful, but many parents worry about a sudden temper tantrum of their children. Some children do melt down in public, and this is actually a normal stage of their development. Tantrum is a way a young child do to express frustration or annoyance.

What Counts as a Tantrum?

A tantrum is an unplanned outburst of anger and frustration in a child. These episodes may be physical tantrum, verbal tantrum, or a mix of both.

During a tantrum, your child may be disruptive, behave unpleasantly, and cry without stopping. Tantrums can strike anytime, including in public, even right after your child has been happily playing with you.

Why Do Tantrums Occur?

Tantrums often occur when children are tired, hungry, or they feel uncomfortable. Unlike adults that can express their frustrations, tiredness, hunger, or discomfort, children often struggle to put these feelings into words.

When children have tantrums, they find it hard to express their frustration verbally. That tension shows up as signs and symptoms such as screaming, uncontrollable crying, whining, hitting, kicking, pinching, rolling on the floor, flapping their arms, or even holding their breath.

Tantrums are especially likely when you don’t give in to their demands. The good news is they don’t last forever. As children grow, they learn to manage frustration on their own.

How to Prevent Tantrums in Children

There’s nothing “wrong” with tantrums. Tantrum itself is a part of child development, eventhough of course it's normal for not wanting to face constant public blowups.

• Give steady positive attention so your child understands what earns praise. Acknowledge and praise specific positive behavior.

• Offer small choices and let your child decide simple things. For example, let them pick a snack or choose which juice to drink, so they’re less likely to have tantrums. This helps them feel in control and satisfied with their choices.

• Keep hazardous objects out of reach. While this can be tricky in public spaces, scan the area and remove items that could cause injury.

• Use distraction. In public, shift their focus and offer an alternative when they start asking for something. Swap out activities when they begin to look frustrated or uncomfortable.

• Be consistent. Keep a daily rhythm so your child knows what to expect. This includes nap time, snack time, and meals, so they’re not overtired or hungry in public. Tantrums are often shorter when a child is rested and has a full stomach.

• Avoid known triggers. In public, don’t offer something you can’t follow through on. For instance, at the mall, avoid pointing out toys you don’t plan to buy. Many toddlers can’t tell what’s okay and what isn’t, especially when tired or hungry, and they may act on impulse.

The best way to handle a tantrum is to stay calm. If you meet a tantrum with a bigger outburst, your child is likely to copy that behavior. If your child starts kicking, hitting, or tries to run into the street, stop the behavior by holding and hugging them until they settle.

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