Don't complicate the problem with your own frustrations. The first thing to do is to understand what is going on. All tantrums aren't handled the same way. It is important to assess if the child is experiencing disappointment or is simply in need of attention. When a younger child has a tantrum, he or she should be taken to a quiet, secluded room to calm down.
Older kids are different.
They may have a tantrum just to get their way if they have learned this behavior works. In this case, it is appropriate to tell them to stay in a room until control is regained, rather than setting a specific time limit. A pediatrician should be consulted if tantrums are more frequent or last longer than anticipated. The doctor also can check for physical problems that may be contributing to the tantrum, such as hearing or vision problems, chronic illness, or learning disabilities. It is important to remember that tantrums are not a concern.