Tantrums and Toddlers: Is It Anxiety?

Anyone who’s spent any amount of time with a toddler knows the kicking, screaming, and crying of a tantrum. What some people may not realize, however, is that there are multiple causes for these outbursts, including anxiety.

Our team of experienced psychiatric nurse practitioners at Lewis Family Psychiatry helps children and adults throughout the state of Florida successfully navigate life while dealing with mental, emotional, or behavioral issues, including anxiety.

We recognize that individuals are more than their symptoms and use integrative psychiatric techniques that combine Western medicine with Eastern and holistic practices to care for the entire person. Getting care has never been easier or more accessible thanks to our telemedicine platform.

Tantrums

Toddlers and children often throw tantrums because they haven't yet developed the skills to manage strong emotions or disappointments. Add the fact that many kids may lack the verbal ability to express their feelings, and it can lead to lashing out.

Tantrum behaviors can vary, but typically may include crying, whining, or yelling, as well as hitting or kicking. Stamping their feet, falling to the floor, flailing their arms and legs, and holding their breath can be other behaviors. Some children may act destructively by throwing items or knocking things down, or raise safety issues by running away.

Most often, tantrums occur between the ages of 1-4 and decline as verbal skills develop. Some children, however, experience them until an older age, particularly if they’re dealing with a mental health issue like anxiety.

Anxiety in children

A common stereotype of an anxious child is one who clings to their parents, avoids things, or is very shy. Trouble sleeping and frequent headaches or stomachaches are other symptoms.

However, anxiety can also manifest itself as problematic behavior, including tantrums. When some anxious kids want to avoid a situation that causes them stress, they act out.

When to worry

Tantrums are a normal part of many children's developmental process, but in some cases, they can signify other problems.

Red flags include lasting more than 15 minutes, occurring multiple times a day, or continuing or worsening after age four. 

Serious behavioral actions like violence, hurting themselves or someone else, damaging property, or holding their breath, particularly if they faint, all warrant consulting a health care professional. Help should also be sought if there are other accompanying signs of anxiety.

Parents who feel frustrated or unable to successfully navigate their child's tantrums should also seek assistance. If your child's tantrums are excessive in number or degree, or if you're finding yourself overwhelmed by trying to manage them, we can conduct an evaluation and provide support for you and them in learning how to manage their emotions and behavior.

Click our contact button or call us at 561-303-0433 today for a virtual assessment or treatment appointment.

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