Temper Tantrums: Could Toddler Temper Tantrums Be a Sign of ADHD?

Temper tantrums in children are some of the most unpleasant experiences a parent will ever experience. The yelling, kicking, and breath holding are enough to make you want to give up parenting altogether, but obviously parents are not allowed to quit their jobs. Without understanding why toddlers and children have temper tantrums, it’s difficult to cope during the heat of the moment. More importantly, temper tantrums could also be a symptom of a more serious disorder such as ADD/ADHD or autism.

Before the next temper tantrum begins, it will probably help you to know more about why your toddler or child may be having temper tantrums and what the best responses to a temper tantrum are. Basically, temper tantrums are your child’s way of expressing anger. Since children and toddlers do not have the same control over their behavior as adults do, their young emotions may get the best of them for a few minutes. The physical and verbal outburst of temper tantrums will usually not last more than about 2 minutes, with the worst of the tantrum occurring at the onset.

Believe it or not, there is an adult version of temper tantrums, too, but adults are much better equipped to handle them. Instead of kicking and screaming, an adult might slam a door, throw something down, or use profanity. It’s the same theory as toddler and childhood temper tantrums: a way to vent frustration and anger, often when an individual is tired or hungry.

Temper tantrums are both common and normal, even in children with good temperaments. It is estimated that 80 percent of children from 1 to 4 years old experience temper tantrums. The most effective way to cope with temper tantrums is to either ignore the behavior or teach the child more appropriate ways to handle anger and frustration. Another alternative is to watch for triggers of your child’s temper tantrums, which may help you stop them before they begin.

In some cases, frequent temper tantrums—especially in older children—may be a sign of serious mental disorders or learning disabilities. If you are concerned that your child’s temper tantrums are an indicator of ADD/ADHD, an anxiety disorder, autism, or other condition, seek professional advice as soon as possible.