Tantrums are natural, especially in children who are not yet able to use words to express their frustrations. Tantrums typically occur at age 2 to 3 when children are forming a sense of self. Tantrums are the result of high energy and low ability to use words to get needs or wants met. Tantrums typically peak between ages 2 and 3, and start to decline by 4. They usually run their course within a year.
Most children throw tantrums in a particular place with a particular person.
The tantrum usually stops when the child gets his or her wish. There can be many causes of temper tantrums. Other common causes of temper tantrums include being hungry or tired. Children who have temper tantrums often have other problems like thumb sucking, head banging, bed wetting and problem sleeping. If these behaviors happen, or if your child has temper tantrums that last more than 15 minutes or occur three or more times a day at younger than 1 or older than 4, seek help from a family physician, psychologist, or marriage and family therapist.