The Truth about Tantrums: 8 Things You Should Know

Kratz suggests getting help for your child if he or she:

• holds breath or faints during a tantrum
• causes injury to self or others
• shows great difficulty or frustration with communicating
• has intense tantrums after age four
• does not seem capable of showing a range of emotions

Parents should seek help if it's to remain in control of themselves during tantrums.

One key, says Kratz, is remembering that the tantrum isn't just annoying or embarrassing to you—it can actually be frightening for the child: "Parents should try to keep in mind that a child having a tantrum is in a very scared place." Moms and dads who understand how hard it is for their children to feel out of control may be more likely to show the kind of compassion that's exactly what kids need in that situation.