Temper tantrums are supposed to be history by 5, right? Unfortunately more and more parents are dealing with 5 year olds tantrums and these tantrums are often more intense, more extreme, and more physical in nature. The cause is not likely communication problems, as it can be for the toddlers. So, what is the deal and how can you help your 5 year old?

How To Respond To A 5 Year Old's Tantrum

As with all tantrums, but even more so with children at the age of 5, temper tantrums are not be tolerated. That, however, does not mean that the appropriate response is timeout or time alone. Often a temper tantrum denotes a need for attention, affection, and help dealing with overwhelming emotions.

Spend some time holding your child. Give them an area in the house, near the activity of the household that is a calming place. Set aside a calm-seat or a calm-couch and let them know you are more than willing to join them there if they want you to.

Be A Detective For Your Child

There could be many causes of tantrums in a child that is 5 years old or older. Normally at this stage, the typical responses of communication, frustration, and separation anxiety are no longer relevant. For your child, you need to advocate for him/her and do some work to determine what is causing tantrums.

Foods, Diets, and Allergies Can Cause Tantrums

Start keeping a journal of when the tantrums happen and as much information as you can gather prior to the tantrums occurring. Record meals, snacks, places (visiting a house), playing with pets, and anything else you can think to collect.

Review The Data

Having the data is no good if you do not look for trends. There are studies that show allergies or cellular reactions to foods, animals, and plants can cause a variety of symptoms, which includes tantrums.