Common Tantrum Triggers in 1-5 Year Olds

Frustration Over Independence vs. Ability 

Toddlers want to do things by themselves, but their underdeveloped motor skills, language, and problem-solving abilities aren’t quite there yet.
Example: They want to cross the street without holding your hand.

Being Told "No" or Having a Limit Set 

Toddlers are testing boundaries constantly, and they don’t like being stopped when they have their mind set on something.
Example: You won’t let them grab a fragile item off the counter.

Transitions (Especially When They’re Not Ready to Stop an Activity)

Going from one thing to another is hard for toddlers, especially when they’re enjoying themselves.
Example: Leaving the park or a playdate or turning off their favorite show.

Hunger

Young kids don’t always recognize or verbalize hunger, but their bodies feel it—and kids can often tantrum when they are hangry.

Example: A grocery store tantrum at checkout—turns out, it’s been too long since their last snack.

Exhaustion  

Overtired toddlers have a harder time processing emotions and often lose it.

 Example: You gave them the wrong pajamas, and they crumble.

Feeling Not Understood 

Toddlers struggle to communicate their needs and often get frustrated when they can’t get their point across. Generally, as their language develops, their frustration tolerance will improve too.

Example: They want the blue plate, but you give them the red one. They can’t explain why it matters—so they get upset.

Desire for Control (Power Struggles!)

Toddlers crave autonomy—but when they feel like they have zero control, tantrums can happen.

Example: You tell them it’s bedtime, but they want to keep playing.

Which tantrum is most popular in your house?