I have a two year old son who on occasions throws tantrums. I know that this is normal for his age, but?

Question

stopping his self from breathing isnt normal, it can't be. can someone help me. I have taking him to the doctor and she said that it was perfectly healthy. Something isn't right!

Answer 1

Yeah, many kids hold their breath during a temper tantrum, he will start breathing when he feels the need.  Let him do it all he wants and do NOT react to it, IGNORE it, or that will feed into his behavior.

Answer 2

I'll bet he can't stop himself from breathing as long as I can.

Yep, it sounds pretty normal to me.

Answer 3

just let him hold his breath.. either he'll breathe again.. or he'll pass out... but he'll start breathing at some point..

Answer 4

When my son starts this I grit my teeth and get on my knees to his level and comfort him.  I talk really soft too him until he calms down.  I don't give in to his wants, I soothe him if that makes sense?  It works even on the days he drives me into a tantrum.  Good luck my son is now 3 1/2 and I am still there.

Answer 5

Girl I am in the same situation my daughter does it as well I try to ignore it but it gets so frustrating eventually I just pick her up and tell her it's quiet time and while she is kicking screaming and latching on I put her in her room where everything is kid proof and she has a gate up I don't shut the door and just put her there and tell her when she stops crying she can come out I don't leave her in there too long and NO it's not helping her at all but it is helping me because after hearing it time and time again I feel like pulling my hair out and just having her not in the same room clinging to me is much better I can still hear her but I would love to see someone's idea of what to do...Good Luck to you  

Answer 6

If he is doing it when he is having a tantrum he is only doing it for attention.  If he is doing it when he is really excited there is something wrong and you need to take him to another doctor.  If he is doing it for attention steer him in another direction so he does not think about holding his breath.   or you could just not pay any attention to it.  I am no expert but this is what I would do.

Answer 7

nope its normal.

Answer 8

ignore it all they want is attention

Answer 9

Actually, it is very common. Just sit him down and don't acknowledge him until he's done. Even if he passes out, his body will naturally start breathing again, don't make a big fuss or he will just keep doing it.

Answer 10

Oh this is perfectly normal. In a store a while back a little boy was throwing a tantrum while his mum was trying to pay for stuff, he hit his head against the wall to get attention and knocked himself out! Just be glad he isnt doing this. He will take a breath when he needs it, its instinct and almost impossible for a 2 1/2 year old to stop

Answer 11

He's doing it for your attention.  This may sound harsh but let him hold his breath eventually he'll get to the point where he will breath or he'll just pass out.  If he passes out he will start breathing on his own again.  Sooner or later he will figure out that's not a way to get attention.

Answer 12

dont fall for it just for attention

just tell them there surelly not going to get what they want if they keep acting up

Answer 13

Actually, that is normal behavior for a two year old lol!!

Don't worry, if he is really stubborn and holds his breath too long, he will pass out (and subsequently take a deep breath) long before any damage is done from not breathing!!

Answer 14

They will hold their breath during tantrums to get your attention when everything else is failing.