At the HEED Coalition and The Basics Southcoast/RI, we believe that behavioral guidance including support around tantrums and daily routines is vital to children’s healthy development and to caregiver confidence. Early childhood behavior is a form of communication, and understanding it helps adults respond with consistency, empathy, and intention.
Behavioral guidance resources help caregivers make sense of common challenges such as tantrums, transitions, sleep routines, and limit-setting. These tools emphasize developmentally appropriate expectations and strategies that support emotional regulation, predictability, and secure relationships. When routines are clear and responses are steady, children are better able to feel safe, understood, and capable.
The resources in this section of the Birth to Five Resource Guide are offered to provide guidance, practical strategies, and reassurance as you navigate everyday behavioral challenges. Our hope is that these tools help caregivers respond thoughtfully, reduce stress, and build routines that support both children and families.
These materials are informational in nature and are not intended to replace evaluation, diagnosis, or individualized guidance from a physician, behavioral health provider, or other licensed clinical professional. If concerns about a child’s behavior, development, or emotional well-being persist, consultation with a qualified provider is recommended.
Behavior is shaped through connection and consistency. We hope these resources serve as a steady guide as you support emotional growth, establish healthy routines, and navigate the early years with confidence.
Tantrums are a common part of development from about 1–4 years as children learn to manage big feelings. They’re usually normal if your child is growing, communicating, and recovering between episodes. Learn more…
Call your pediatrician if tantrums are very frequent, last a long time, involve serious aggression/self-harm, or if your child seems behind in speech or social skills. A pediatrician can screen for developmental or mental health concerns and connect you to early intervention or behavioral health.
The AAP encourages positive discipline: clear rules, consistent limits, praise for positive behavior, redirection, natural/logical consequences, and brief time-outs when needed. Spanking and harsh verbal punishment are discouraged because they increase behavior and mental health problems.
AAP guidance is that spanking, hitting, shaming, or threatening are not recommended at all; even occasional use is linked with more aggression, not better behavior.
Predictable routines for waking, meals, naps, play, and bedtime help children feel safe and reduce power struggles. Regular sleep and meal times are especially important to prevent overtired, “hangry” meltdowns.
AAP’s Brush, Book, Bed routine: brush teeth, read a book, then bed at about the same time every night. Keep it calm, predictable, and screen-free.
Plan limits ahead of time, use a Family Media Plan, give warnings before turning screens off, and stay calm and firm when kids protest. Avoid using screens as the main way to calm your child.
Most toddlers need about 11–14 hours of sleep in 24 hours, including naps. Too little sleep can show up as hyperactivity, irritability, and more tantrums.
Postpartum depression and anxiety can include irritability, anger, and feeling overwhelmed, which can make tantrums and routines harder to manage. Screening and treatment are available and effective.
Start with your child’s pediatrician, then consider early intervention, home visiting, WIC, and community mental health clinics that offer infant/early childhood mental health, parent coaching, and parenting groups. These services exist specifically to support families with behavior and routines.
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Important Notice
The Birth to Five Resource Guide is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. By using this site, you acknowledge that you are accessing these materials voluntarily and at your own discretion.
The information shared here is not intended to replace professional medical, clinical, legal, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician, pediatrician, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding health, development, or medical conditions.
The HEED Coalition and The Basics Southcoast/RI make no representations or warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy, or applicability of the information provided and assume no liability for any decisions made or actions taken based on the use of this site.
Use of this site constitutes your acceptance of these terms.
