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Tantrums come in all forms and sizes. You might witness stiffening limbs, screaming, kicking, falling down, flailing about, or just running away. In some cases, children even hold their breath, vomit, break things, or hurt themselves and other people.
However, they're a normal part of development, so parents just have to arm themselves with patience, and humor, of course! So in order to help everyone endure this journey, we put together a collection of tweets that highlight the funny side of temper tantrums.
Continue scrolling, upvote your favorites, and don't forget to check out the chat we had with Vicki Broadbent, a mother of three and the creator of the acclaimed family and lifestyle blog, Honest Mum — you'll find it in-between the entries.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
BrownTabby 1 year ago (edited)
Me: *booked a travel package to Guam from Japan* Travel agent: the airline is United. Me: better bring chocolate (It worked.) (If they’re reading this, I do think fondly of you two.)
RELATED:
#2
Shark Lady 1 year ago
Ww have a code brown, I repeat we have a code brown. Followed by the all clear and everything is alright with the toddler world again.
Elladine DesIsles 1 year ago
When my son was younger, he would sometimes fall asleep in the middle of a tantrum, then wake up hours later (often it was a bedtime-to-morning thing), open his eyes, and immediately continue on with whatever he'd been upset about. Definitely terrifying.
Tantrums usually happen when kids are tired, hungry, or uncomfortable. The little ones can have a meltdown because they can't have something they want (like a toy or candy) or can't get someone to do what they want (like getting a parent to pay attention to them immediately or getting a sibling to give up the tablet).
They're equally common in boys and girls and generally peak during the second year of life, when language skills are actively developing.
Because toddlers can't always express what they want or need, and because words describing feelings are more complicated, a frustrating experience results in a tantrum. But as language skills improve, they tend to decrease.
#3
LakotaWolf (she/her) 1 year ago
Witnessing other peoples’ kids have temper tantrums is great birth control for others, too! XD
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 1 year ago
Try working a few years in family dining. After you find a diaper on a table you're trying to bus you NEVER want kids.
Load More Replies... BrownTabby 1 year ago
There’s something about the fact that the kid doesn’t understand this that makes it even funnier.
Jude Laskowski 1 year ago
Why are kids allowed to have these meltdowns and tantrums? My parents never tolerated this. I don't remember any of my cousins having one either.
Burnt Cheese 1 year ago
The best argument for birth control that I've ever seen was our 45th president.
Say No to Downvoting 1 year ago
My kid having a total meltdown while we’re in line to get his Ritalin?
#4
bakuhoe_simpp 1 year ago
well i googled it for you A group of toddlers is sometimes called a chaos. basicly same thing as tantrum
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Catherine Maven 1 year ago
When I'm in an excruciating long line at a grocery store or the bank, I fantasize about throwing a tantrum like a toddler. "But I WANT to be NEXT!" I'd scream, over and over again, until everyone let me go ahead of them just to ger rid of me. Not saying I'm going to do it - but if any of you is brave enough, please tell me if it worked ... ;)
#5
Couragetcd 1 year ago
Well, yeah. Time to mentally sing my favorite Wayne Newton song... 🎶Schadenfreude, darling, schadenfreude...🎶
Vicki Broadbent, a writer, director, and broadcaster who's running the parenting blog Honest Mum, said temper tantrums, whether the kid is 2 or 13 years old, can feel triggering for parents.
"We feel it's our job to protect our children, to stop them from feeling upset or acting out, but the truth is they cannot regulate emotions as easily as adults, and 'acting out' and having temper tantrums are a normal part of their development," she explained to Bored Panda.
"When it comes to teenagers, their moods are affected by their hormones and the pressures of growing up," Broadbent, the author of Mumboss (UK) and The Working Mom (US and Canada), added. "I think it's important to be compassionate to yourself first as a parent, to accept you're trying your best and there's no perfect way to raise a child, and of course, to be understanding to your child who feels more confused than you do. It's their first time living, and yours too."
#6
hearditontheX 1 year ago
My goodness folks lighten up. I agree with SCP 4666 and that comment is Funny
Couragetcd 1 year ago
That's when you reply with, just do what I tell you, and you'll never be in time out again. That means no kicking or hitting.
Jude Laskowski 1 year ago
You let your kid get away with kicking you? I wouldn't be writing this if I had kicked one of my parents.
#7
hearditontheX 1 year ago
After reading these posts I'm thinking about a spray bottle like we use on cats. Just throwing this out there. I don't do serious advice on BP
Kare Deter 1 year ago
Time for a *Science experiment*. Think this works on 20 year olds?
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Couragetcd 1 year ago
All you can do is take a picture and notes so you can share it with her when she is older and offer to show her friends. Save it for a time she wants something a teenager thinks is reasonable but you disagree.
Lady Lestrange 1 year ago
As a kid, I've had my fair share of crying and tantrum sessions with my mom and dad as well. Because I didn't have a castle like those in the barbie movies. so, yeah.
#8
Lynn Morello 1 year ago
When my son was 2, He threw a tantrum, I had no idea what it was over. Every time I tried to pacify him, his tantrum got worse. After about 20 minutes of this, I had a major headache, his Tantrum got even worse when I went to the toilet. When I had finished, I threw a bucket of water over him. Tantrum stopped immediately and he asked why he was rained on.
Sara Harvilla 1 year ago
Am I the only one who finds kids' tantrums hilarious? I can't help laughing, and it kind of spoils the tantrum for the kid. Sorry, not sorry.
Craig Boddys 1 year ago
Mine has a meltdown whenever she hears "no". Doesnt matter if its in the middle of a sentence between me and my partner, or someone says it on the tv, she has her meltdown for 30 seconds, then starts laughing to herself and dancing around. Kids are weird.
#9
Parents should keep their cool when responding to a tantrum so that they don't complicate the problem even more with their frustration or anger. Luckily, this list proves that it's possible!
Of course, tantrums should be handled differently depending on the child and the situation, but generally speaking, "distraction is key when young children are acting out/having a meltdown, as is holding them close if they let you so they feel safe and comforted," Broadbent said.
"I also find adding a few drops of lavender on their clothes helps soothe them quickly, or in their bath (baths are always calming) and in some cases, where safe, let them shout and cry for a short while so they can process what they're feeling. Don't leave them alone ever but allow them to 'get it all out.'"
#10
alchemilla vulgaris 1 year ago
I have mixed feelings about spilling the beans on your kids' tantrums and antics, just for likes. But photos - photos are a definite no-no. Just no.
GoldenPandoodle 1 year ago
Right? Especially when you don't read the website's term and conditions (nobody does) and you have no idea your pictures can be used freely to advertise nearly ANYTHING!
Load More Replies... Couragetcd 1 year ago
I've never tried bribing a kid with candy to stop a tantrum. I usually just leave the room and see how life ng it takes them to notice and then find me to tantrum in front of again. Then I ask if they remember why they are so upset and distract.
Hannah Marshall 1 year ago
Same guy posted for number 7. This must be the kid who got mad about not having snow powers 😂
Scott Losoya 1 year ago
So true. One day I'm in line at the self checkout. A woman in front of me, her daughter like 5 years old having a screaming fit, wanted candy. The mother said to me 'Im sorry', I replied 'you don't have to apologize, I've had 5 of those little monster's. The kid immediately stops her screaming, spins around in the cart seat glares at me and yelled 'Monster ?!!' I calmly responded 'Well, if you prefer, Gremlin'. Oh, you could see the steam coming out of her ears with a growl. Totally defeated. The mother quietly mouthed 'Thank you" The people around, a deafening sigh of relief.
Jude Laskowski 1 year ago
So you're rewarding the tantrum? And you wonder why they keep having them?
Darla Hitchcock 1 year ago
Not to mention teaching them how to manipulate others.
Load More Replies... jmdirks 1 year ago
When I was a kid, friends group was out riding bikes and one of the boys hurt himself on his bike. You know, how boys do. We walked his bike back two streets down, he never shed a tear. But as soon as we got to his door he started bawling, full on body racking sobs, for his mom.
#11
Isaac Harvey 1 year ago
I get up at 5 to get to my 6a-2p shifts on time. It’s not the worst once you get used to it- and I get to avoid rush hour traffic both ways. It does mean that I can’t reliably give coherent answers before 8, though.
Kare Deter 1 year ago
I just stare down anyone who tries to talk to me first thing in the morning.
#12
Nadine Debard 1 year ago
That's what I do with my 2 yo, works like a charm with him, wouldn't work with every child, though.
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Kare Deter 1 year ago
Depends.... are you drinking red wine in a pink cup or white wine in a blue cup?
Rahb in Oz 1 year ago
Do NOT ask for their preference! If they ask for the red cup, give it to them, so they understand consequences. Do NOT give them a choice until they are able to understand it. My mother offered me a choice between chicken or veal, when I was around three years old. I said 'chicken' because 'veal' sounded yucky to me. My grandmother overruled and said 'feed him whatever'. She was very wise, and my mother learned from that. I now enjoy almost all food, as I wasn't allowed to develop dislikes. I still like Brussels sprouts!
#13
LakotaWolf (she/her) 1 year ago
I’m not a parent, but this one seems mean (even as a joke.) AFAIK temper tantrums in young kids happen because they can’t process and express the emotions they’re feeling. So they’re not “acting like an ässhole” - they don’t KNOW what they’re doing or what they’re feeling. Older kids past age 7ish though? XD Yeah, if THEY’RE throwing a temper tantrum, that’s absolutely them being a bum orifice.
staceybeaverhausen 1 year ago
i dont have kids.either...which is why i can 110% say - this thread is not for us to comment on other than lol. learn to scroll. you're opinion is not needed or wanted (fyi. i am an autistic adult)
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Tired Panda 1 year ago
My kids acted out when they were overly tired and needed a nap. Their eyes got that glazed look in them. Naptime!
thechildreninmybasement 1 year ago
oh how sweet my child whos brain hasn't fully developed and doesn't yet know how to control anger just hurt themselves haha
"With older children, speaking calmly to them about what has upset them, once they've cooled off, can help them process their pain," Broadbent said. "Ditto providing examples of your feelings at their age, using examples, might be beneficial. It humanizes you as a parent and allows you to express your empathy."
At the end of the day, the Honest Mum believes all children want to feel heard, seen, understood, and loved unconditionally, and they need this confirmation more than ever when they're pushing you away.
#14
BrownTabby 1 year ago
I feel like I shouldn’t be laughing as hard at this as I am. Whatever, Hell is just a pizza chain in my country.
Katie Lutesinger 1 year ago
New Zealand?? I totally went to one of those! I ordered Gluttony. XD
Load More Replies... Flora Porter 1 year ago
Hate to hear parents using that kind of language about a child. Judge behaviour, not the whole person.
#15
Couragetcd 1 year ago
Yeah, they don't know. They are just little pressure cookers with no valves. And some days the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse hot dog dance is what pops the cooker and let's all the ferocious steam out.
#16
Catlady6000 1 year ago
Magnets can pull together in a child's digestive tract and cause a lot of damage, at times permanent damage and /or life threatening.
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Katrina Nixon 1 year ago
I will never understand people posting pictures of their children like this.
Mary Peace 1 year ago
Nor do I. but as a non-parent, there are many things I've heard of children want to do, but the attraction escapes me. (Licking walls, eating mud, hiding in the toilet, eating sweets found on the ground...)
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#17
Catlady6000 1 year ago
Nowadays I'm just jealous I can't lay on the floor and scream too. For one thing I'd never be able to get up again. The there's the guys in the white coats
A survey of 1,000 moms and 1,000 dads of kids ages 0-4 found that, on average, their child throws a little over four tantrums per week.
However, results also showed that dads might have a slight edge over moms in controlling these situations (45% vs 42%).
#18
#19
Shark Lady 1 year ago
She still has a mouth, put the cereal bowl on the floor and let her lap it up!!
#20
Mary Peace 1 year ago
Maybe putting the coat on and taking it off used the same amount of energy, just TOO MUCH!
#21
TheElderNom 1 year ago
My old cat does that with boxes. Like once or twice a month she'll sit in a box and look grumpy for a few minutes and then she'll leave.
Mary Peace 1 year ago
At cat training school, they're taught to have a certain number of 'sitting in a box' sessions every month.
Load More Replies... Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 1 year ago
This one is funny! I remember a funniest videos episode where the parent was filming the toddler having a tantrum. The parent went into the next room, and the kid stopped screaming long enough to pick himself up, follow the parent, and resume the tantrum once he was visible to the parent again. This happened several times, and the last few, the baby was really over the tantrum. He just had to make sure his point was made.
Cydney Golden 1 year ago
My daughter would often glance in the mirror in the middle of a tantrum just to check her cuteness.
And when they feel like they need to hear another voice of reason, parents turn to their own old folks (52%), friends who have kids (43%), and health care professionals (36%).
Hopefully, with a sense of humor, too!
#22
Lydsylou (she/her) 1 year ago
I have accidentally stapled my finger before and yes it does go through but not the whole way
Audrey Martin 1 year ago
Trust me it can. I found out when I was 16 years old. I was a bored idiot
Bill Swallow 1 year ago
Brings back memories of long ago, when I was confronted with a jammed stapler, so I grabbed it by the business end, with both thumbs on the part that comes down on the paper, and squoze it REAL HARD! Unjammed it - and stapled my two thumbs together.
RapidUnscheduledDisassembly 1 year ago
I can assure the poster's kid that a staple will indeed go into a finger (although not all the way through to the other side) and I have the picture to prove it!
#23
Gypsy Lee 1 year ago
Try the closet. You can also hide chocolate in there without the Ick factor.
Danish Susanne 1 year ago
Is the chocolate for your toddler or for yourself?
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#25
AnkleByter 1 year ago
Not if you're tired, sick, hungry, having a feeling sort of day, for any explicable (or not) reason(s). Tantrum really can be defined by any sort of outburst of negative emotion over something someone can't control. If we define it that way, there are still plenty of adults, dare I say a whole hell of a lot of us, that have our own versions of tantrums sometimes, too.
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Couragetcd 1 year ago
Mine would do all the fun stuff, then freak out over bath water dripping in his face while his hair is getting washed. Even if he washes it himself, he feels the need to have a washcloth on his face for protection.
Jennifer Biness 1 year ago
it's called overstimulation, they've processed a lot during the day, and can't handle any more
#27
Philly Bob Squires 1 year ago
Spaghetti-Os seem to taste better right out of the can than they do heated. Am I wrong?
#28
iseefractals 1 year ago
You pick up the little disruption....and you LEAVE. That's it, that's what you do. If that means that you miss out, too bad. Unless the place has a cartoon mascot, they didn't belong in there to begin with due to this precise eventuality. Your options are either to go to a family friendly place, get a sitter, get delivery, or eat leftover dino-nuggets while standing over the trash can where your choices can't ruin anyone elses night.
Lauren S 1 year ago
I wouldn’t say it’s an eventuality. But I am completely on board with taking the kid outside to work out their emotions and calm down. My husband and i would watch for our son getting close to hitting his tolerance for anything in public (museum, baseball game, food anywhere, etc). I’d scoop the kid and car keys and dip immediately. My husband would pay and gather our stuff and meet us in the car. I also put effort into entertaining my kid in a restaurant too though, more when he was younger though. We also had restaurant rules we implemented when he was a toddler.
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Couragetcd 1 year ago
That is when you leave money on the table, scoop up the kid, and walk out of there. And possibly don't take the kiddo out to eat for the next year.
#29
Audrey Martin 1 year ago
Maybe put a tray of shop bought biscuits in the oven and gently warm them. If you're sneaky enough it might work.
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#30
SCP 4666 1 year ago
There was condom commercial of exactly this. A child wanted a bag of chips, the father put it back. Rinse repeat until child had a Cat. 5 meltdown and the father stood there embarrassed. Then the slogan said : Condoms give protection- Durex
Diana Lucas 1 year ago
I'd tell him to go ahead and throw the tantrum. He'd only be embarrassing himself.
April Pickett 1 year ago
Together we would put the candy bar back and when the bad behavior started, leave the store.
Rae Rory 1 year ago
1: Pouty lip with quiver 2: Tears and sniffles 3: loud crying, stomping 4: loud crying, stomping, screaming 5: All of the above plus throwing them selves on the floor and/or grabbing things off the shelves. 6: What child? We've always been child-free
Load More Replies... hearditontheX 1 year ago
All of these reassures me having one kid was a good thing. Only had to deal with tantrums once
Marie BellaDonna 1 year ago
Let the kid get mad. Giving in only enforces the tantrums, because it teaches the kid that having a tantrum is how they get what they want. And it just gets worse and worse. I've seen it in real life, with an EX-friend, and her kid. Her abysmal parenting, and the spoiled monster she produced as a result (along with her complete inability to see any problem at all, much less correct it, and her ire at anyone who DID see a problem-and goddess forbid, actually point it out) is one of the biggest reasons I don't talk to her anymore. So let your kid throw their little fit. But, um, yeah, if they refuse to stop screaming, please be a responsible parent, and a considerate human being, and take them outside, unless you absolutely can't. The world thanks you.
April Pickett 1 year ago
There was once a young lady who decided to help herself to a candy bar while I was checking out at the drugstore. When I noticed the candy bar, I asked where she got it. We put our purchased items in the car and walked back into the store. I made her put the candy bar back where she got it from and apologize to the cashier, in front of a long line of customers.
Audrey Martin 1 year ago
I'm pretty sure that little kids don't feel embarrassed about anything.
Load More Replies... #31
Šimon Špaček 1 year ago
That is a question pirates and parents have in common.
Load More Replies... Couragetcd 1 year ago
Is the rum for the parent, or to rub on the kid's gums like the old days of passed out teething kids?
Binky Melnik 1 year ago
I thought people frowned upon giving kids liquor to shut them up. It’s okay now? (As far as I’m concerned, whatever it takes so I don’t hafta listen to your kids burst my eardrums!)
#32
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 1 year ago
How awful, to have to celebrate your birthday! :))
#33
#34
Kare Deter 1 year ago
I must have raised angels. Tantrums in my house lasted less than 2 minutes. Maybe because I just walked away and ignored them till they calmed down?
My O My 1 year ago
They never hurt themselves in the tantrums? My little one startet at a year of age and with banging his head against the floor. I'm soooo glad we're slowly going towards the end of the tantrum stage
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#36
RandomPkmnFan 1 year ago
Hey, that also happened to me once! At around 10-11 years old. Now I'm 12
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#37
mommamarmar 1 year ago
In my experience, the best way to get a kid to like a weird (for a child) food is if you love it too. My daughter was about 18 months the first time she tried sushi. Ever since then, when I get sushi, she does too. Even after she found out it's raw fish!
mikedtw 1 year ago
From the wef: Can my child have raw fish? Children's complete immunity does not develop before the child is around 5 years of age, for this reason young children would get sick from the bacteria in raw fish which the normal adult body is used to. Therefor, children under the age of 5 should not have raw fish or raw sushi.
Load More Replies... Couragetcd 1 year ago
Last night my 7 wouldn't eat cheese pizza because the sauce was too red. At 18 months he would eat anything.
Kare Deter 1 year ago
I remember a friends child : I LOVE PIZZA!!! Can I have it without sauce or cheese? ME to friend: so she wants a piece of toast?
Load More Replies... #38
#42
MotherofGuineaPigs 1 year ago
Mine did this and then asked for the raisins in a bag so she could eat them later...
#45
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Queenie G 1 year ago
My 3 year old (almost 4) threw a temper tantrum that consisted of a scream that could shatter glass. All because his brother was playing with a car he wanted. After assuring myself he had not been attacked by a rogue bear, I calmly told him if he screamed like that again I was going to toss him out the front door. A few weeks later he was visiting again and wound himself up to the point of doing the same thing again. He took a deep breath, glanced at me and at the front door, and promptly blew out the breath. With a wobbly little smile he said "I didn't scream like that nana." Poor little fella, I would never lay a hand on my grandkids but he doesn't know that.
The Original Bruno 1 year ago
How many of these parents are aware that tantrums happen when kids get overtired? If your kid throws a tantrum, get them to a nap. I found that wiping my son's face with a damp facecloth was so effective at helping him 'reset,' that years later he would wipe his face to calm down.
Uncle Schmickle 1 year ago
The ideal solution to tantrums : get the genetic material from a fainting goat, inject it into the kid. If they get themselves worked up, they'll faint.
Heather W 1 year ago
I was so glad my daughter wasn't big on tantrums, but the ones she had were hilarious. We were waiting somewhere, it was taking a long time, and she ended up laying nose down on the floor, just...laying there. People looked at me and I said "Oh, that's her version of a tantrum. Like a silent protest I guess." Had so many women look at me jealously.
BJ Goins 1 year ago
My daughter was left a widow at 24 with 3 kids under 3 yrs old. As time went on she was doing pretty good at raising them. Until.... the tantrums got to be too much. One particularly bad day she decided to turn the tables on them. When one of them refused to do something, she threw herself on the floor, rolled all over, yelling and "crying." All those little brats did was laugh!!!
Nitka Tsar 1 year ago (edited)
I do think most tantrums can be avoided by proper communication with the children. Most often there is something specific they would like to do/ have or have done, but we adults don‘t unterstand what they need. Either because we tend to not listen properly or because we do not give them the tools to express themselves. I am a big advocate of „baby signs“ for instance. 🤩 Toddlers are different from adults in many ways, as they cannot control their emotions and things that are meaningless to us can seam like an apocalypse to them. And we adults dismiss them and their feelings far too often. Therefor I do not think it particularly amusing to lough at their meltdowns. On the contrary, I am always wondering what the real cause was and how the meltdown could have been avoided.
Queenie G 1 year ago
My 3 year old (almost 4) threw a temper tantrum that consisted of a scream that could shatter glass. All because his brother was playing with a car he wanted. After assuring myself he had not been attacked by a rogue bear, I calmly told him if he screamed like that again I was going to toss him out the front door. A few weeks later he was visiting again and wound himself up to the point of doing the same thing again. He took a deep breath, glanced at me and at the front door, and promptly blew out the breath. With a wobbly little smile he said "I didn't scream like that nana." Poor little fella, I would never lay a hand on my grandkids but he doesn't know that.
The Original Bruno 1 year ago
How many of these parents are aware that tantrums happen when kids get overtired? If your kid throws a tantrum, get them to a nap. I found that wiping my son's face with a damp facecloth was so effective at helping him 'reset,' that years later he would wipe his face to calm down.
Uncle Schmickle 1 year ago
The ideal solution to tantrums : get the genetic material from a fainting goat, inject it into the kid. If they get themselves worked up, they'll faint.
Heather W 1 year ago
I was so glad my daughter wasn't big on tantrums, but the ones she had were hilarious. We were waiting somewhere, it was taking a long time, and she ended up laying nose down on the floor, just...laying there. People looked at me and I said "Oh, that's her version of a tantrum. Like a silent protest I guess." Had so many women look at me jealously.
BJ Goins 1 year ago
My daughter was left a widow at 24 with 3 kids under 3 yrs old. As time went on she was doing pretty good at raising them. Until.... the tantrums got to be too much. One particularly bad day she decided to turn the tables on them. When one of them refused to do something, she threw herself on the floor, rolled all over, yelling and "crying." All those little brats did was laugh!!!
Nitka Tsar 1 year ago (edited)
I do think most tantrums can be avoided by proper communication with the children. Most often there is something specific they would like to do/ have or have done, but we adults don‘t unterstand what they need. Either because we tend to not listen properly or because we do not give them the tools to express themselves. I am a big advocate of „baby signs“ for instance. 🤩 Toddlers are different from adults in many ways, as they cannot control their emotions and things that are meaningless to us can seam like an apocalypse to them. And we adults dismiss them and their feelings far too often. Therefor I do not think it particularly amusing to lough at their meltdowns. On the contrary, I am always wondering what the real cause was and how the meltdown could have been avoided.
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