JUNE 2026

UNDERSTANDING

+ managing

temper tantrums

10 HELPFUL TIPS
for families

Young children are still learning how to communicate their needs, manage their emotions, and cope with disappointment.

angry boy
Temper tantrums are one of the most common challenges families face during the early childhood years. Whether they happen at home, in the grocery store, or on the playground, tantrums can leave parents feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and sometimes even embarrassed.

The good news is that tantrums are a completely normal part of child development.

Young children are still learning how to communicate their needs, manage their emotions, and cope with disappointment. When they become overwhelmed, they often lack the skills to express what they are feeling in a calm and productive way.

At First Circle, we understand that tantrums are opportunities to help children develop emotional regulation, communication skills, and resilience.

Here are ten practical strategies that can help reduce tantrums and support your child through challenging moments.

1

STAY calm
and composed

When emotions are running high,  children look to trusted adults for guidance. Responding with a calm voice and steady presence helps prevent the situation from escalating.

Although it can be difficult in the moment, remaining calm sends the message that big feelings are manageable and that your child is safe.

2

GIVE your
child space

Sometimes children need a little room  to work through their emotions. If your child is safe, allow them the opportunity to calm down without excessive talking or intervention.

Providing a calm and supportive environment can help them regain control more quickly.

3

AVOID reasoning
during tantruming

When a child is in the middle of a tantrum, their emotions have taken over. This is not the best time for explanations, lectures, or problem-solving.

Wait until your child has calmed down before discussing what happened and exploring better ways to handle similar situations in the future.

4

IDENTIFY
the cause

Many tantrums occur because children are frustrated, tired, hungry, overstimulated, or unable to communicate what they need.

Taking a moment to consider what may be triggering the behavior can help you address the root cause rather than simply reacting to the outburst.

5

TEACH
communication
skills

Young children are still developing language and often struggle to express their wants and needs.

Encouraging simple words, gestures, or signs can help children communicate more effectively and reduce frustration. As communication skills grow, tantrums often decrease.

6

USE
positive
distractions

Redirecting a child’s attention can sometimes prevent a small frustration from becoming a major meltdown.

A favorite toy, a new activity, a song, or a simple change of scenery can help children shift their focus and regain their composure.

7

WATCH
for hunger
and fatigue

Two of the most common tantrum triggers are hunger and tiredness.

Maintaining consistent meal times, offering healthy snacks, and ensuring children get adequate rest can significantly reduce challenging behaviors throughout the day.

8

SET
clear
expectations

Children thrive when they know what is expected of them.

Before entering situations that may be difficult—such as restaurants, stores, or long events—talk about expectations ahead of time. Positive reminders and simple goals can help children feel more successful.

9

OFFER
comfort
+ connection

While every child is different, many children benefit from reassurance during moments of distress.

A gentle hug, sitting quietly nearby, or offering comforting words can help children feel supported as they work through strong emotions.

10

MOVE TO
a calmer
environment

If a tantrum occurs in a busy or stimulating setting, changing locations can often help.
Moving to a quieter area allows children to reset, regulate their emotions, and return to a calmer state more quickly.

SUPPORTING
EMOTIONAL GROWTH
through challenging moments

Temper tantrums can be exhausting, but they are also an important part of early childhood development. Through patience, consistency, and support, children gradually learn how to express their feelings, communicate their needs, and manage disappointment in healthy ways.

Each tantrum is an opportunity to teach valuable life skills that children will carry with them as they grow.

At First Circle, we partner with families to support children’s social and emotional development every step of the way. Together, we can help children build the confidence, self-regulation, and resilience they need to navigate life’s challenges.

Because every learning experience—even the challenging ones—helps children become ready for learning, ready for life.