The Essence of the Problem Children aged 2 to 5 can display aggression quite often, which is related to their development. Tantrums peak around the age of three when children learn to regulate their emotions and communicate. This is a period when they strive to develop their autonomy, which can lead to high levels of frustration. When things don’t go the way they want, a child expresses their anger through tantrums. This is a form of protest when they say, “I don’t like this! I want it my way!” Tantrums are an active demonstration of emotions. When a tantrum begins, it is important to remain calm and allow the situation to unfold. Focus on identifying the “triggers” of the tantrum that may be subtle. Solutions Don’t Give In! If you change the rules because of the child’s mood, they may start using tantrums as a way to manipulate. Stay firm but friendly. Practice active listening. When you notice the child is about to have a tantrum, get down to their level, touch them, and verbalize their feelings: “You’re upset. You wanted the block tower to be taller, and it fell down. That’s frustrating!” “We were having such a great time at the park, and you don’t want to leave — that’s annoying!” Active listening helps the child understand their emotions and feel supported. During the Outburst Don’t try to calm the child during the tantrum. It’s better to remove yourself from the situation. Bring them a stuffed animal or make a gesture that shows you’re not angry. For example, say, “We all get upset sometimes. Come to me when you’ve calmed down.” After the Outburst When the child calms down, remind them of the need to clean up after themselves. Use phrases like, “Looks like you have some work to do…” This will help them understand responsibility for their actions. Preventive Measures Continue to develop the child’s independence and communication skills. Monitor their state to avoid tantrums due to hunger or fatigue. Give them advance notice about transitions between activities so they can prepare. Set rules and stick to them. If the rule is “no jumping on the couch,” then you must enforce it. Consistency will help the child understand that this rule is real.