Anger tantrums from children are common from the second year of life till age four. All tantrums are not always unreasonable.

It is for us to understand why the tantrum is being thrown and act accordingly. For this, we would need to know the types of tantrums. Here are a few situations:

Fatigue Tantrums

Your child is hungry, tired, sleepy or baffled by something she's doing or is ill or over socialising! The anger builds and eventually spills out in crying and kicking.

Your response: Give your child a nap, a snack, milk or something to drink. If she's frustrated, try to calm her. Ask her to explain what's wrong and empathise with her.

Encourage her when she is doing something difficult. Keep the environment at home calm so that she can relax.

Frustration Tantrums

These are often related to the child's developmental restrictions. The square block will not fit through the round hole in the shape-sorter. The doll will not sit on the chair for the tea party.

Delayed language skills or hearing or vision difficulties, severe stress, parents' divorce, the death of a parent or other emotional upsets may also prompt tantrums. A paediatrician can help you assess these types of problems.

Your response: Teach your child how to grasp skills in your one-to-one playtime each day. Keep the shape-sorter out of sight until you can play with him. Once he masters it, it can stay out for general play.

Have a tea party together and demonstrate how the doll can sit by leaning against the wall. Talk to your child. Let him be comfortable when he is with you. Teach your child how to ask for help when he is frustrated.

Your pre-verbal child can learn to raise his hand to 'ask' for help. Your older toddler can say, "Please help mum."