The dreaded temper tantrum has begun, and you sigh as you try to get your child to calm down, while strangers are staring and whispering behind their hands. 

So, what are tantrums? Are they normal, and how do you handle them? 

Tantrums are short, anger outbursts or unreasonable behaviour like crying, screaming, or shouting. They are common and a normal part of a child’s development. 

In a nutshell, temper tantrums happen when your kid does not get what they want, when they want it and it is their way of showing you that they are upset and unhappy about it. Tantrums generally begin when toddlers are around 18 months of age and can last up until they are three. Tantrums usually happen because your youngster does not have the vocabulary to express their feelings. When your little one starts to talk more, they will be less prone to tantrums, and they should disappear completely by the time they reach the age of 4.

As every parent has found out the hard way, the most horrible place for toddler tantrums is in public when your child starts whining, crying, screaming, yelling as well as kicking, hitting and even holding their breath! You might feel annoyed, uncomfortable, disheartened, and hopeless as your child is carrying on like a mad animal while they are going crazy in front of the milk corridor!