It’s normal for toddlers to throw tantrums. But if they go on past preschool age and they are persistent, pervasive (they happen not just at home or at school but everywhere) and they are impairing your child’s academic, family and/or social life — it’s time to get help.
When Should I Worry About Tantrums?
Outbursts are cause for concern when they're persistent, pervasive, and impairing
Clinical Expert: Gabrielle Carlson, MD
en EspañolAs with any troubling behavior, Dr. Gabrielle Carlson of Stony Brook University explains, parents should worry about extreme outbursts when they meet her “3 Ps” criteria: persistent, pervasive, and impairing. Yes, Dr. Carlson admits, “impairing” doesn’t start with a P, but it’s key to understanding when you need to get help.
Related: Three Common Parenting Traps
Why Do Kids Have Tantrums and Meltdowns?
How to Handle Tantrums and Meltdowns
Frequently Asked Questions
Tantrums become worrisome if the child is beyond preschool age and is having them persistently, pervasively (in lots of settings, not just school or home but everywhere), and they are impairing your child’s academic, family and/or social life. At that point, it’s time to get help.
This article was last reviewed or updated on August 19, 2024.
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