He smiled one minute, screamed the next. Saab Magalona reveals terrifying truths about her child’s unpredictable behavior. The warning all parents must see

Saab Magalona on son with cerebral palsy: 'He looks forward to school and  keeps asking for more challenges' | ABS-CBN Entertainment

It started like any ordinary day. Saab Magalona, beloved actress, musician, and mom of two, was spending time with her children at home when one of them—usually calm and affectionate—suddenly had a violent outburst. It wasn’t just a tantrum, she later revealed. It was something deeper, darker, and entirely unexpected.

In an emotional social media post that left many parents shaken and concerned, Saab shared the reality of witnessing her child experience what she could only describe as a sudden, uncontrollable burst of rage. What made the situation even more alarming? It seemed to come out of nowhere—and even the pediatrician was taken aback.

A Shocking Turn No Parent Is Prepared For

Tantrums are a normal part of growing up, especially for toddlers who are still learning to regulate their emotions. But Saab’s experience was far from a typical meltdown over toys or bedtime. According to her account, her child’s expression changed, voice raised to screams, and the behavior escalated quickly into hitting and attempts to scratch those around him.

“It wasn’t like anything I’d ever seen before,” she wrote. “It was as if something took over him, and no amount of comforting or logic could reach him.”

After the episode passed, her child returned to his usual self—calm, sweet, seemingly unaware of what had just occurred. That’s when Saab and her husband knew this wasn’t something they could ignore.

The Medical Response: More Questions Than Answers

Concerned, they brought their child to see a specialist. They expected answers—maybe a simple explanation like overstimulation or a nutritional deficiency—but even the doctor admitted that the sudden intensity of the outburst was unusual.

“There are a range of possibilities,” the doctor explained, “from neurological imbalances to emotional dysregulation that could be linked to trauma or even underlying developmental conditions.”

The lack of clear answers left Saab feeling both anxious and determined. She knew one thing for sure: if it could happen to her, it could happen to any parent.

Understanding Extreme Tantrums

What Saab experienced is something some professionals call “rage episodes”—intense emotional reactions in children that go beyond normal tantrums. These can sometimes be linked to:

Sensory processing disorders

Early-onset mood disorders

Autism spectrum conditions

Unidentified trauma or emotional stress

Dietary sensitivities or sleep deprivation

It’s easy to dismiss tantrums as “bad behavior,” but episodes like Saab’s child experienced may be a sign of something more serious. Experts urge parents to observe carefully and take note of the frequency, duration, and triggers of these events.

What Parents Need to Watch Out For

Saab’s openness about her experience serves as a wake-up call. It highlights the need for more awareness around children’s mental and emotional health—something often overlooked, especially in early childhood.

Here are some red flags experts suggest parents should not ignore:

Sudden mood swings or outbursts without a clear trigger

Aggressive behavior that escalates quickly

Self-harming tendencies like hitting their own head or body

Lack of memory or awareness about the outburst afterward

Difficulty calming down even in a safe and soothing environment

If any of these symptoms appear regularly, it may be time to consult a pediatric psychologist or developmental pediatrician.

Saab’s Courage and Message to Other Parents

What makes Saab’s story powerful is her vulnerability. Rather than hide the experience, she chose to share it. “I didn’t want to pretend everything was perfect,” she said. “I know there are other parents out there struggling silently.”

She admitted she once believed tantrums were just a part of parenting, something to “ride out,” but this episode changed her perspective entirely. Now, she’s urging others to look closer at their child’s behavior—not with fear, but with curiosity, compassion, and readiness to seek help.

You’re Not Alone: Building a Support System

Many parents feel shame or guilt when their child acts out violently. They worry others will judge them or label their child. Saab’s story is a reminder that it’s okay to seek support, both medical and emotional.

If you’re a parent dealing with similar experiences, here are some steps you can take:

    Document the behavior. Keep a log of outbursts—when they happen, what preceded them, and how long they lasted.

    Stay calm during the episode. Your reaction can help de-escalate or aggravate the situation.

    Talk to your pediatrician. Ask about a referral to a child psychologist or neurologist if needed.

    Connect with other parents. Online communities and support groups can be incredibly helpful.

    Prioritize mental health. For both your child and yourself.

Final Thoughts

What happened to Saab Magalona and her child is a stark reminder that parenting isn’t always picture-perfect. It’s messy, emotional, and sometimes, downright scary. But it’s also a journey of learning, growth, and unconditional love.

Her courage in speaking out is giving strength to countless others who may be facing the same thing—but too afraid to speak up.

Let this be a gentle but urgent reminder: your child’s behavior is a message. Are you listening?