What should I do after a tantrum?

Give specific praise for stopping, then name the feeling if your child is old enough to talk about it.

When should I worry about tantrums?

Talk with your pediatrician if tantrums get more severe, last longer or happen several times a day, if your child hurts themselves or others, or if a child older than 5 still has them regularly, Johns Hopkins suggests.

Is there a book about anger for kids?

Tella makes a story instead of a printed book. It stars your child in their own angry moment and their own way back to calm, and it's ready the same day on your phone, tablet or TV.

All big feelings

How to help a child with anger, tantrums and meltdowns

Stay calm through the storm, praise your child when it passes, and talk about the feeling once they've settled.

Custom story for Zara

Zara's tall tower tumbles before Dad can see it, and she finds her own way back from a big angry storm.

Dragon Breaths After the Tumble

Story created for Zara

Tantrums are developmentally normal, says child psychologist Jennifer Katzenstein of Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital: they're how children show unhappiness or frustration, usually when they don't get what they want. When a tantrum stops, she suggests specific praise for stopping, then naming the feeling if your child is old enough to talk about it.

Once your child is calm, talk about feelings and solutions, like taking a few slow breaths next time, suggests a tip sheet from Brookes Publishing. A social story is one way to have that talk. That's why Tella is built so the story stars your child: the moment that set off the storm, and the way back to calm they choose.

There's more on hitting and biting and on how to help a child calm down.

An anger social story video starring your child

Here's how Zara's story goes.

The tower falls, and a big angry storm rolls through Zara: tight fists, stomping feet.
Dad sits down close and calm, and he doesn't leave.
Zara hugs Lion and blows slow dragon breaths.
Calm again, Zara tells Dad just how mad she felt.

Watch Zara’s whole story

Questions parents ask

Why does my toddler have tantrums?: Tantrums are developmentally normal. They're how children show unhappiness or frustration, usually when they don't get what they want, Johns Hopkins explains.
What should I do after a tantrum?: Give specific praise for stopping, then name the feeling if your child is old enough to talk about it.
When should I worry about tantrums?: Talk with your pediatrician if tantrums get more severe, last longer or happen several times a day, if your child hurts themselves or others, or if a child older than 5 still has them regularly, Johns Hopkins suggests.
Is there a book about anger for kids?: Tella makes a story instead of a printed book. It stars your child in their own angry moment and their own way back to calm, and it's ready the same day on your phone, tablet or TV.

Questions parents ask about Tella

Is it more screen time?: You watch it together, and it's about a real day in your child's life. No feed, and every story has an ending.
Is it safe?: No photo needed. See what we keep and who sees it.
Is it really about my child?: Every scene shows your child and your family, not a name dropped into a template.
What does it cost?: Your first story is free. No card needed.
Why not just ask ChatGPT?: See how a Tella story compares.

Updated October 30, 2026.

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