Early Childhood: Tantrums

Understanding tantrums is a vital part of early childhood care, as they represent one of the main ways young children communicate overwhelming emotions. This free online course provides a complete exploration of why tantrums occur, what is happening inside a child's developing brain, and how caregivers can respond with patience, skill, and empathy. Instead of labeling tantrums as misbehavior, this course reframes them as an important part of emotional growth where children express needs they cannot yet verbalize.

You will learn the psychological foundations behind tantrums, including emotional regulation development, sensory overload, frustration tolerance, and the role of unmet needs. We also discuss different types of tantrums—such as fatigue-based, emotional, communicative, and situational meltdowns—and how to identify the underlying causes. Real-life examples and expert insights help you understand what triggers children and how caregivers can remain calm while guiding them.

This course also focuses on practical tools and positive behavior strategies. You will explore calming techniques like redirection, deep-pressure methods, validating emotions, and routine structuring to minimize triggers. The course highlights effective communication skills that help children feel heard and understood, reducing the intensity and frequency of tantrums. Additionally, you will learn what to avoid—such as reacting with anger, giving in to negative behavior, or dismissing a child’s emotions—all of which can worsen the situation.

By the end of the course, you will feel more confident in managing tantrums with compassion and clarity. Whether you're a parent, babysitter, preschool teacher, or caregiver, these skills will help create a calmer environment and support healthy emotional development in the children you care for.