Every parent dreads the sound of their child’s nagging, whining and crying over the smallest of things. Although you want the best for them, even you know you’re not superhuman – and so you can’t satisfy their every need.

This brings an infamous topic out into the open: toddler tantrums. They are predictable, but can be extremely difficult to deal with. While you will find many articles teaching you how to stop them, we’re here to tell you that they just might be a good thing!

Here is how your toddler’s tantrums have their own kind of benefits:

They are learning how to deal

Toddlers have been alive for only a few years – to them, strong feelings of sadness, anger, or frustration can be really overwhelming. Hence, crying becomes their immediate – and helpless – response. In reality, this is helping them understand their emotions, and accept them as they are. This in turn helps them learn how to handle their feelings on their own.

They experience brain development

Your little one’s brain is still not fully developed, and its rewiring is controlled by their experience with the world around them. When a child throws a tantrum, and you as a parent react positively to it (instead of huffing or rolling your eyes!) you’re teaching your child how to deal with their emotions in a constructive manner. This helps wire their brains to make good choices and to look at their own feelings in a positive way.

Tears keep them healthy

Tantrums – in moderation! – actually help keep a child’s body healthy for the long-run. The act of crying not only helps reduce blood pressure, but also reduces stress. Tears contain a hormone called cortisol, and is removed excessively from the body when your child cries it all out.

Tantrums strengthen the bond between child and parent

When your child breaks into a full-blown tantrum, it may seem like they don’t care about you. But in reality, they are relying on you to help them deal with their overwhelming emotions. Although you can’t provide a quick fix, what you can do is be there for them. Give them hugs, kisses, and the occasional “you’re okay”. That way, your child will feel better sooner, and will feel glad that they had someone to confide in. Making them feel safe is a great way to get closer with them.


Children experience tantrums many times, both in their homes and outside – even in daycare centres. Nurseries in Al Barsha deal with them by having professional practitioners take care of them. In fact, in Oakfield Early Learning Centre, there are special practitioners for Children of Determination as well, so that every child is taken care of in the most healthy way possible.

In conclusion, tantrums are pretty normal. They might get frustrating sometimes – but know that they have their own part to play for your child’s healthy development!