It’s common for toddlers to have temper tantrums; however, for some children, these outbursts are more intense and frequent. Recent research suggests a compelling connection between early language development and emotional regulation. Toddlers with expressive language delays—meaning they have fewer spoken words—often experience more severe tantrums, impacting their social and emotional well-being.
A recent study, published in the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, highlights that children between 24 and 30 months with limited language abilities, referred to as “late talkers,” were nearly twice as likely to have severe, dysregulated tantrums compared to peers with typical language development. This age group (12-38 months) is a critical period for both language acquisition and emotional self-regulation, and delays in one can directly affect the other.
Why is this link so crucial for parents and caregivers to understand? Temper tantrums, especially those characterized by heightened irritability and difficulty in self-soothing, can serve as early indicators of broader mental health risks in young children. Recognizing that language challenges are often at the core of these emotional outbursts allows caregivers to approach tantrums with empathy and awareness.
Afreen Najeeb, a Speech Therapist at Aman Lil Afia Clinic in Dubai, emphasizes that “understanding the relationship between a child’s language skills and their emotional behavior can be transformative in early intervention.” When toddlers struggle to express their needs verbally, they often turn to tantrums as a form of communication. This frustration can be mitigated with early intervention, such as speech therapy and social-emotional learning techniques.
Intervening early not only supports a child’s language growth but also builds a foundation for better emotional regulation, setting them on a path to improved social interactions and mental health. For parents of toddlers who are late talkers or show signs of emotional dysregulation, engaging with a speech therapist or other early childhood professionals can make a profound difference in their child’s long-term communication and emotional development.
Through targeted early intervention and family support, children can develop stronger language and emotional skills, enhancing their resilience and overall well-being.
