Last week, my second son Charles and I went to the toy store because I have to get my nephew a gift for his birthday. I couldn’t leave Charles at home so I decided to bring him, which later on became something that I have truly regretted.

While we were inside the store, he wanted me to get him this toy car but I said no. We didn’t have a budget for a new toy and also I thought that I should start teaching him discipline. Unfortunately, his sweet pleas changed into full-on wailing as he flails his arms and legs while lying down on the floor of a toy store. It was really unnerving.

When we arrived home, I immediately looked up what tantrums is all about. I wanted to understand what it was, because I never experienced the same thing with my first born son. Here’s what I have found out:

Temper tantrums are unplanned and unintentional fits that children use as their way to express their anger and frustration that often comes with physical and verbal outbursts. I have always thought that this is a child’s way to get attention, but I was wrong. Experts through their studies have proven that wrong.

I also found out that 80% of children between the ages one to four have temper tantrums. Experts say that temper tantrums are a normal part of early child development. This is the toddler’s way to try, in their own limited way, to sort out the rules for their social environment. That was a relief for me.

Also, I read from my research that the best way to cope with a child’s public temper tantrum is to wait it out. I was actually proud of myself that I did the same way to Charles even before I read this article I found online! Once he calmed down, I explained to him everything and tried my best to make him understand my reason why I didn’t get him the toy that he wanted. I also talked to him about his behavior.