Module 1: Why Tantrums Happen
Tantrums are common in young children and can stem from a range of factors, often related to their developmental stage, emotional state, and environment. While reading through the common primary causes of a tantrum, consider which one(s) Blake may have been experiencing:
Emotionally Overwhelmed
Children have limited skills to manage big emotions, and may feel frustrated, anxious, sad, or even overstimulated.
Communication Struggles
Young children might not yet have the vocabulary or communication skills to express what they need or feel.
Physical Needs
Tantrums often arise when children are tired, hungry, or overstimulated.
Desire for Independence
As children grow, they seek more autonomy, often wanting to do things by themselves or make choices.
Attention-Seeking
Sometimes children throw tantrums to seek attention, especially if they feel overlooked.
Unmet Expectations
When children have set expectations or routines that change suddenly, they may struggle to adapt.
Blake was happy; perhaps he had his own plans to play with toys once he was done eating. When Casey brought up bath time, Blake interpreted that his snack and play was abruptly ending.
Take a look at the causes Blake was likely experiencing:
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Blake was having fun and may have had his own plans. How could Casey help set expectations so Blake doesn’t feel the change is so sudden?
When Casey is sitting the boys down for their snack, she could set expectations and let them know that they will be playing in the bathtub after they’re done eating. Then give them a five-minute heads-up when they’re close to being done eating.
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Blake may benefit from getting some say in what he does next.
Casey could inform the boys that in 5 minutes, when they are done eating, they can pick two toys to bring into the bathtub or ask for Blake’s help pouring the bubble bath into the tub.
Let’s See What You Learned
Dealing with intense emotions
Understanding where Blake is coming from can help Casey identify what to do next. Since Casey knows he isn’t injured and it wasn’t a case of another child taking his toy away, Casey thinks his reaction is due to a change in what they’re doing and decides to respond accordingly.
Jump in to Module 2 to find out how Casey can take this opportunity to communicate with Blake about their change in activity. Understanding Blake’s perspective can help Casey reinforce positive coping techniques.