Babies typically begin to show signs of frustration leading to behaviors like temper tantrums around 18 months of age.
Understanding Frustration in Early Childhood
While very young infants can express distress, the kind of frustration that often manifests as noticeable temper tantrums is a developmental milestone commonly observed in toddlers. According to the provided reference, temper tantrums usually start at around 18 months. This is a period when toddlers are rapidly developing but still have limited communication skills.
Why Does Frustration Increase Around 18 Months?
A primary reason for the increase in frustration around this age is the difficulty toddlers have in expressing themselves. They understand much more than they can verbally communicate. They have wants, needs, and burgeoning independence, but lack the language and cognitive skills to articulate them effectively.
The reference highlights this point: "One reason for this is toddlers want to express themselves, but find it difficult. They feel frustrated, and the frustration comes out as a tantrum."
This gap between their desires/understanding and their ability to communicate or act independently leads to feelings of frustration.
How Frustration Manifests: Temper Tantrums
Frustration in toddlers often comes out as a tantrum. As the reference notes, temper tantrums are very common in toddlers starting around 18 months. These emotional outbursts can include crying, screaming, kicking, hitting, and biting.
Common manifestations of toddler frustration:
- Crying and Screaming: Expressing strong emotions vocally.
- Physical Actions: Hitting and biting are common, too, as physical means of expressing intense feelings when words fail.
- Throwing Objects: A way to release energy and frustration.
- Falling to the Floor/Stomping: Physical protest and inability to cope.
These behaviors are not typically malicious but are intense reactions to overwhelming feelings of frustration and lack of control or communication ability.
Coping with Toddler Frustration
Understanding that frustration is a normal part of development at this age can help parents and caregivers respond effectively.
- Identify the Cause: Try to figure out what is making the child frustrated (e.g., inability to do something, not getting what they want, communication breakdown).
- Offer Simple Choices: Giving limited choices can provide a sense of control.
- Teach Simple Signs or Words: Helping them learn a few key words or signs can bridge the communication gap.
- Stay Calm: Reacting with anger can escalate the situation.
- Provide Comfort: Sometimes, toddlers just need comfort and reassurance after a tantrum.
- Set Boundaries: While validating feelings, it's also important to gently guide their behavior away from hitting or biting.
Frustration is a crucial part of learning and development, motivating children to solve problems and improve their skills, including communication.
