tantrumming
Having a meltdown
Tantrumming is throwing a tantrum—having an emotional outburst marked by crying, screaming, or flailing.
The word applies most often to toddlers: The kid was tantrumming in the grocery store.
Adults tantrum too, though the word carries a note of childishness when applied to them: He's been tantrumming about the new policy all week.
Catastrophic loss of control
- outburstSudden emotional release
- screamingLoud, shrill vocalizing
- yellingVocalization at maximum volume
- stompingTreading heavily, forcefully
kicking · flailing · throwing · crying · wailing · sobbing · thrashing · writhing
Intense hostile emotion
- rageIntense, violent anger
- furyIntense violent anger
- frustrationDispleasure from blocked efforts
- exasperationIntense weary annoyance
irritation · annoyance · distress · overwhelm · dysregulation · agitation · upset · resentment
Ill-mannered like children
- spoiledRuined or overindulged
- petulantChildishly bad-tempered
- willfulIntentionally unyielding
- defiantOpenly resisting control
obstinate · stubborn · naughty · disobedient · unruly · rebellious · impudent · sassy
Prone to sudden detonation
- volcanicOf fiery mountain origin
- uncontrollableImpossible to restrain
- wildNot domesticated or controlled
- frenziedWildly out of control
hysterical · unrestrained · unbridled · tempestuous · violent · fierce · convulsive · tumultuous
Brief suspension of play
- disciplineTrained self-control or specialty
- soothingReducing distress or discomfort
- calmingInducing a settled state
- ignoringDeliberately not noticing
redirection · consequences · boundaries · patience · deescalation · comforting · validating · coregulation
meltdown
Catastrophic loss of control
- outburstSudden emotional release
- screamingLoud, shrill vocalizing
- yellingVocalization at maximum volume
stomping · kicking · flailing · throwing · crying · wailing · sobbing · thrashing · writhing · pounding
anger
Intense hostile emotion
- rageIntense, violent anger
- furyIntense violent anger
- frustrationDispleasure from blocked efforts
exasperation · irritation · annoyance · distress · overwhelm · dysregulation · agitation · upset · resentment · indignation
bratty
Ill-mannered like children
defiant · obstinate · stubborn · naughty · disobedient · unruly · rebellious · impudent · sassy · demanding
explosive
Prone to sudden detonation
- volcanicOf fiery mountain origin
- uncontrollableImpossible to restrain
- wildNot domesticated or controlled
frenzied · hysterical · unrestrained · unbridled · tempestuous · violent · fierce · convulsive · tumultuous · chaotic
timeout
Brief suspension of play
- disciplineTrained self-control or specialty
- soothingReducing distress or discomfort
- calmingInducing a settled state
ignoring · redirection · consequences · boundaries · patience · deescalation · comforting · validating · coregulation · intervention
tantrummingself-regulating
Adjusting without external control
keeping cool · keeping one's cool · self-soothing · composed · even-keeled