When do children stop having temper tantrums? All to know

This frustrating activity usually comes in the form of crying, screaming, stomping and breath-holding, with some more extreme instances involving biting and hitting.

If you're a desperate carer wanting to know when this unruly phase will come to an end, here is everything you need to know.

Why do toddlers have temper tantrums?

Children normally throw tantrums because they want to communicate (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) According to the NHS, children usually throw temper tantrums because they want to express themselves but find it difficult.

Because of this, they feel frustrated and let this anger be known through a tantrum.

When do children usually stop having temper tantrums?

The NHS adds that temper tantrums usually start after 18 months, with this becoming less common as the child learns to speak.

By the age of four, tempers like this should become far less common or stop altogether.

What to do when your child has a temper tantrum

Tantrums normally stop after the age of four (Image: Getty Images) Temper tantrums can be overwhelming for parents, leaving many at their wits' end.

This is why the NSPCC has shared a handy step-by-step list to follow.

Those responding to a child in the middle of a temper tantrum have been told to stop, breathe and respond calmly.

Parents should then let their toddler know they understand how they feel before letting them know they are trying to understand why they are upset.

From here, carers should attempt to work out a way to alleviate their child's frustration, such as by distracting them with something like a book or by drawing their attention to something happening nearby.

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Depending on their age, parents could also try the "5, 4, 3, 2, 1" activity, which includes asking them:

• Five things they can see
• Four things they can touch
• Three things that are red
• Two things you could taste
• One thing that is noisy.

More information can be found on the NHS and NSPCC websites.