Daily tantrums and nearly 5yo - help is it normal

[Hevster]

DD1 is 5 in October and and seems to have reverted to having huge tantrums. We have tried everything we can think of and are making no progress whatsoever. They always seem to start because I have said no to something and can last up to an hr and a half. We have tried rewarding her on the days she doesn't have them, taking away treats such as cake, avoiding certain situations, talking to her about it etc but to no avail. She just seems to get overcome by anger and can't calm down, then when she does eventually stop it's like it never happened. Is she normal and has anyone got any suggestions?

My childminder reassured me, after DS1 having more than the odd melt down, that this is perfectly normal behaviour for those about to start school. She said it can be a combination of boredom at nursery etc, growing independance, ready for new challenges and so on.

In her experience the brighter the child the greater the 'challenge'!

Good luck, you're not alone and to quote my fantstic childminder...

It's just a phase xx

I wish I had some advice for you but I don't, but I know what you are going through. I am worried about my dd as well, I always know when a 'big one' is going to hit and I'm powerless to stop it.

After writing that I was just reminded of something that I read on mumsnet once - sometimes when dd is in the middle of a tantrum I will very sternly say, 'Don't laugh, don't you dare laugh,' and while it wasn't hugely successful it would snap her out of it for a minute - it might be worth a try.

Good luck and remember - you are not alone!