Why do tantrums happen?

A tantrum is the expression of a young child's frustration with his or her limitations or anger about not being able to get his or her way. Perhaps your child is having trouble figuring something out or completing a task. Maybe your child doesn't have the words to express his or her feelings. Frustration might trigger an outburst — resulting in a temper tantrum.

If your child is tired, hungry, feeling ill or has to make a transition, his or her threshold for frustration is likely to be lower — and a tantrum more likely.