Tears and Tantrums

Growing Children Through Frustration and Aggression. Frustration is a powerful and unavoidable part of being human—but when children cannot mature through it, it often spills out as aggression, withdrawal, or emotional eruptions. This presentation explores frustration as a central developmental force and examines how tantrums, defiance, self-attack, or attack on others emerge when frustration overwhelms a child’s capacity. Rather than trying to eliminate frustration, adults learn how to support children in growing stronger through it—so frustration does not turn into destructive energy.