personally no I don't think they would. toddlers have tantrums because of overwhelming emotions - they're hungry, tired, frustrated, disappointed, there's something going on that's out of their control or that they don't understand or that they don't have the words to express - punishing them for that is IMO only going to make them feel worse and IME it doesn't actually work anyway. I'm still pretty new at this, my DS is about the same age, very articulate but also very sensitive, independent and high needs strong willed - I think I've tried everything to minimize tantrums and what works (to avoid some and calm the ones he has quite quickly) is 1) the usual make sure he's fed regularly and given a nap and bedtime routine that's at the same time each day, 2) naming feelings whenever I see them and talking about feelings a lot (got books from the library too) 3) giving warnings when things are coming to an end 4) letting him help/do things himself wherever possible (takes longer but worth it) 5) having a visual timetable of what we're doing each day so he knows what to expect, I let him move little icons on the chart after each step of our routine; get dressed, brush teeth etc 6) try not to expect too much from him 7) if I feel a tantrum coming on (he usually starts whinging before hand and getting a bit 'desperate' but I'm sure all kids have their own signs) STOP what I am doing and offer a cuddle, if that doesn't work if I'm at home I actually put earplugs in and cuddle him until he's done screaming. it's what he needs but the noise was making me react very differently before I tried that! and once it's over, I'm trying to just forget it and move on. I've spent so many days resentful and angry where I just can't let it go, I've given myself a good talking to recently and realised that I was expecting him to act rationally and quietly and that's just not a toddler's style, they have big emotions and one of the best ones is forgiveness, so I am trying to forgive myself for taking it personally and just accept it as part of life for now. sorry that was long, in a nutshell I don't think your DS is misbehaving, I think he's communicating and you just need to teach him the appropriate way to do it