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Warning-sign checks

Temper tantrums: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if anyone is in immediate danger, the child has a serious injury, or you cannot keep the child or other people safe.

    Emergency help is also needed for trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, a seizure, severe confusion, or difficulty waking.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek same-day medical advice if the child repeatedly injures themselves, makes credible threats to seriously hurt someone, or becomes dangerously aggressive.

    The same applies if a sudden outburst follows a head injury or possible swallowing of medicine, alcohol, drugs, or chemicals.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book a routine appointment if tantrums are frequent, prolonged, worsening, or disrupting family life, learning, friendships, or childcare.

    Arrange an assessment if they continue well beyond the preschool years, occur without a clear trigger, or happen alongside concerns about speech, development, sleep, mood, or behaviour.

The article also says

You can also seek support if you feel unable to cope safely.

Asking for help does not mean that you have caused the behaviour.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Temper tantrums. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.