5 Year Old Daughter - Tantrums and Anxiety?!

[Z942019]

So I've never posted on here before but find myself here after my daughter having major tantrums and anxiety. Even from being younger she has always had bad tantrums (screaming, kicking, shouting), but I thought she would outgrow them. They're now usually triggered by something such as losing a game or not getting her own way but I just wonder whether it's normal?! She also gets anxious about new situations and trying new things to the point where she then has a tantrum over it (depending on what it is) She has also become very clingy with me, this has only just started but it's just exhausting! Any ideas on how to help with tantrums and anxiety at such a young age? * Her school said they're not concerned about her for anything which is reassuring

Hi there.

Children often behave completely differently at school compared to how they do at home due to the routine and rigidity of the day and because they know what is expected of them. At home, they can be themselves to a certain extent, so they tend to exhibit this sort of behaviour more at home. Is it possible outbursts are triggered when she’s hungry or eaten or drunk something sugary or with E numbers in? I only say that because my DS2 is fiery in nature and can have sudden aggressive outbursts or constant barrage of crying, shouting etc and its usually linked to hunger or being tired for him.

With the anxiety, if you think it is that, then pining down what’s causing the outbursts, is quite hard, especially at such a young age. I’ve found remaining as calm as I can and explaining to my DS that if he wants us to understand, then he has to take a deep breath and tell me/is what is wrong or we can’t help him, works. I sometimes, to my shame, used to shout back at him, but of course I learnt very quickly that this just makes it worse.

If you don’t think it’s any of these things, then I’d definitely go and see your GP for their opinion.