The causes of temper tantrums tend to vary according to a child’s age:

• Infants. Although babies may cry frequently, they do not really experience temper tantrums. Infants cry because they have no other way of communicating their basic needs (e.g., food, blanket, clean diaper) to parents and other caregivers. Infants may also cry because they have colic.
  
  Crying infants can be frustrating for parents who are unable to determine which need is not being met. Studies indicate that tending to a baby’s needs quickly and holding and comforting an infant during crying spells helps the infant become more secure, which may result in a dramatic reduction in crying over time.
  
  
• Toddlers. There are several reasons that a toddler may have a tantrum. Most children in this age group become frustrated easily and strive for autonomy or a sense of independence. In addition, they have yet to master basic language skills. They may find it difficult to verbally express their feelings and ask parents or caregivers for the things that they desire. Toddlers also do not possess many problem-solving skills. For instance, toddlers may have a tantrum because they find it difficult to remove a shoe. Tantrums occur more often when toddlers are overexcited, overtired or hungry.
  
  
• Preschoolers. Preschool-age children typically have fewer tantrums than toddlers. They are better able to communicate with parents and caregivers and have developed additional coping skills. However, children in this age group may still have tantrums in some instances. For example, they may become frustrated if a parent refuses to take them to a toy store. Some preschoolers learn that tantrums may produce positive results when a parent or caregiver gives in to their demands. If parents continually reward children for their negative behavior, the number of tantrums will likely increase.
  
  
• School-age children. Children in this age group typically experience fewer tantrums than younger children because they have improved problem-solving skills. However, school-age children can still become hungry, overtired and cranky. Additionally, they are dealing with more complicated social situations, such as forming and maintaining friendships, working as a member of a team and participating in group activities. Children who find it difficult to express themselves or who have impaired problem-solving abilities are more likely to experience angry fits or temper tantrums. However, school-age children can learn to acknowledge feelings of anger and frustration and cope with them in an acceptable manner.