The short answer
Yes. Tantrums can still be part of typical development at 31–36 months. A child may use more words but still be learning to wait, manage impulses, cope with frustration and regulate strong feelings. Stay calm, keep everyone safe, hold clear limits and talk after the intense feeling has passed.
In this guide · 12 sections
Keep in mind
- Tantrums can be common in the toddler years and do not by themselves show a problem.
- Hunger, tiredness, transitions and frustration may make a tantrum more likely.
- Use calm limits and support; do not hit, threaten or shame.
- Seek advice if safety, daily life or development is persistently affected.
Are tantrums normal at this age?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says tantrums can be a normal part of development, especially between ages 1 and 3.
A tantrum at 31–36 months does not by itself mean something is wrong. Feelings may be intense while skills for managing them are still developing.
Why can tantrums continue when a child talks more?
Around age 2, children may still find it hard to control actions, impulses and feelings. More words do not mean they can yet manage every strong emotion.
Waiting, stopping an activity, sharing or accepting “not now” may still be difficult, even when your child can explain what they want.
What can trigger a tantrum?
Hunger and tiredness are common triggers. A child may also feel frustrated, jealous or in need of attention and reassurance.
Transitions can be hard too: ending play, leaving home, turning off a screen, sharing or being unable to do something independently.
What can you do when a tantrum starts?
First keep your child and others safe and use a calm, steady voice. Short, simple words are usually easier to take in than a long explanation.
If no one is in danger, stay nearby and let the intense feeling settle before talking things through. You do not need to turn every cry or shout into an argument.
Can offering small choices help?
A small, guided choice can give your child a sense of control while keeping your limit in place.
For example, offer “the red coat or the blue coat?”—two options you are both comfortable with.
Does accepting a feeling mean removing the boundary?
No. You can accept that your child feels angry or disappointed while still stopping unsafe behavior.
Do not allow hitting, biting, throwing objects at people or running into danger. Calmly block the action, state the limit and help everyone stay safe.
Do physical punishment or shaming help?
The AAP advises against spanking, hitting, threats, insults, humiliation or shaming. These approaches can harm the parent–child relationship and do not teach the skill your child needs.
Notice and praise helpful behavior, set clear limits, redirect when needed and explain what to do next once your child is calm.
When should you talk with your child’s doctor?
Talk with your child’s pediatrician if tantrums often put your child or someone else at risk, significantly disrupt daily life, or happen alongside a loss of communication or other previously learned skills.
You can also seek advice whenever you have a strong, ongoing concern about your child’s behavior; you do not need to wait for a particular threshold.
What can you try today?
After a tantrum, think about what happened just before it: was your child tired, hungry, moving between activities or blocked from doing something?
For a similar moment, try warning before the transition, offering one small choice while keeping the limit, and naming the feeling briefly after your child is calmer.
When to seek support
Some signs need emergency help; other concerns can be discussed with your child’s healthcare team.
- Talk with your child’s pediatrician if tantrums often put anyone at risk, disrupt daily life or coincide with loss of previously learned skills.
- Seek advice whenever you have a strong, ongoing concern; there is no need to wait for a specific threshold.
Sources used for this guide
- American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org — HealthyChildren – Top Tips for Surviving Tantrums
- American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org — HealthyChildren – What’s the Best Way to Discipline My Child?
- American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org — HealthyChildren – Emotional Development: 2 Year Olds
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) / HealthyChildren.org — What's the Best Way to Discipline My Child?
- www.healthychildren.org — regional guidance
English editorial review:
The English text and regional guidance have been checked editorially. This is not an individual clinical assessment.
Luluna provides general parenting information. It does not diagnose conditions or replace your child’s healthcare professional.
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