Pearson, GA
A 24-year-old male asked:
My 3 year old son throws terrible temper tantrums any tips? just screams for hours when he doesn't get what he wants whats an appropriate reaction
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Shalini Sethianswered
Pediatrics 23 years experience
Anger management: Knowing what triggers his tantrum will help. Ignoring them too might help . Giving time out for about 3-4 min help him to cool down too.
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3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Johanna Frickeanswered
Pediatrics - Developmental and Behavioral 52 years experience
Start by calling : Child Find of your local school district for developmental assessment. Also, fill out developmental screens & the M-CHAT on firstsigns.org & see his pediatrician.Tell your son your rules at his language level, then ignore tantrums consistently by walking him from behind to time-out without talking, making eye contact or acting angry. Repeat till he stays put, then set timer for 3 minutes.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Johanna Fricke commented
Pediatrics - Developmental and Behavioral 52 years experience
Provided original answer
Tantrums lasting for hours are not typical 3-year-old behavior. As with any medical symptom, you need to know the cause of this behavioral symptom in order to address it properly. His pediatrician may refer you to a Developmental/Behavioral Pediatrician or a Child Psychiatrist & definitely to a Child Psychologist for behavioral therapy to help the little guy learn to self-calm.
Jul 26, 2014
Last updated Jul 26, 2014
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