Tantrum
In short
An emotional outburst characterised by screaming, crying, or physical defiance, most commonly seen in young children.
In plain words
It is a sudden loss of emotional control. A person might shout, kick, or refuse to listen to anyone trying to help them calm down.
A simple example
A toddler screams and throws themselves onto the floor because their parent refuses to buy a sugary snack at the supermarket.
Why it matters
Understanding tantrums helps caregivers distinguish between normal developmental stages and deeper emotional or behavioural issues. It also helps in finding ways to manage stress and de-escalate conflict.
Easy to mix up
It is often confused with a 'meltdown', which is an involuntary sensory overload rather than a behavioural outburst.