Dealing with tantrums in 5 year olds

This is like dealing with a summer storm – a sudden beginning and abrupt ending. One minute the child is playing with his toys, and the very next moment he is whimpering and screaming his lungs out.

Thankfully, 5 year old tantrums are less frequent than during their terrible twos. However, when when they’re on, they are equally challenging to deal with. Experienced parents assert that such tantrums can continue well into their early schooling years.

Why does my 5 year old throw temper tantrums?

Overpowering emotions are usually the cause of tantrums in 5 yrs olds. Although they may not lose control at the drop of a hat, but they may slip into tantrum mode when their emotions push them off the edge. There could be many reasons why your child may be getting angry. Some of the reasons include the following:

• Peer pressure
• Fatigue
• Fearfulness
• Bullying
• Struggling with academics at school
• Friendship problems
• Other family members getting angry with each other

It may not be completely evident to you what is making your child angry. In such instances, it is best to talk to your child to know the exact reason what is causing their anger.

How to deal with a 5 year old tantrum making child?

First things first. Temper tantrums are a regular thing in a toddler’s repertoire. And yes, sometimes it can be difficult to handle a child’s whining and whimpering. But this is not the time to be harsh on your child and take extreme steps. Yes, you need to be firm on your kid and be clear about what is acceptable and what is not, it is also important for you to be there for your child when they need you the most in dealing with their whirlpool of emotions.

• Deal with anger together: Your child and you should tackle anger together as a team. This way, you let your kid know that their anger is the main issue causing the trouble, not them. You can be a little creative and give the anger a name, e.g. volcano that explodes. Also remember, a child observes his/her parents. So how you respond to your anger will also influence how your child reacts to it. This way you both can handle the situation better.

• Make your child identify the cause of anger: If you can teach your child to recognise when they are about to get angry and throw a tantrum, they can make more positive decisions on how to handle them in the future. Speak to your child about what happens to them when they are about to get angry. They may notice some changes like:

• Heart beating faster
• Teeth clenching
• Muscles getting tense
• Clenching fists
• Stomach churning inside
• Breathing becoming heavier

• Give some anger tips: Encourage your child to adopt strategies that will help them cool down faster.

• Counting to 10
• Taking slow, deep breaths
• Walking away into a corner
• Talking to someone they trust

• Watch for signs of overstress: Even though tantrums are a part of school years, you need to keep an eye on them to look out for the underlying developing problems. Is your child being bullied? Is there any tension in the family? Have you been busy lately? Is there some upheaval between you and your spouse? Such situations can provoke a tantrum. If your child’s tantrums are getting worse, it is best to speak with your pediatrician or a psychologist to find out if there is any other reason behind their outbursts.

Disclaimer: The information in the article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor.

Also read: Toddler Tantrums In 4 Year Olds

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