Screaming and being hard to calm is a sign that a child’s emotions get too big, too fast for them to handle.
These behaviors are also called temper tantrums or melt-downs. They are hard on everybody, children and parents alike.
Where do they get this from?
Many parts of temperament can lead to screaming. Some children are sensitive to sound, temperature, taste, or movement. Some children have really big reactions that are hard to control.
Children who have experienced stress or traumatic events also can get overwhelmed quickly and have a hard time controlling their emotions.
Many children have a hard time controlling their emotions when they are tired, hungry, or not feeling well.
Children might get a lot of attention and control from this behavior, as parents rush in to try to quiet them down. As parents find themselves doing whatever they can to avoid a tantrum, children may learn that tantrums are a good way to get what they want.