Although tantrums are not uncommon for children under the age of three, they can be hard to witness and a challenge to handle. Once a child reaches elementary school, parents and caretakers may be concerned if tantrums continue.

In older children, tantrums can present in many ways, including difficulty adjusting to changes in expectations, extreme emotions in response to external stimuli, and the inability to handle frustrations without exploding. These unplanned outbursts of anger or frustration can be triggered as a response to anxiety or a child having trouble putting their feelings into words.