Temper tantrums are a normal reaction on the part of the child to the changes he or she notices in their environment. Beginning at birth and throughout infancy, children are only aware of themselves and their immediate caregiver (parents or nannies).

The world seems, and in large part does, revolve around them. They receive an extraordinary amount of attention twenty-four hours a day. But then, that attention begins to decrease quickly starting between twelve and eighteen months. The infant is no longer a little baby and begins making the transition to childhood. The little person inside of the child cannot appreciate this situation. The little person inside of the children does not have the language ability to express frustration at the change in their own status. Self control has not developed at this age and little by little the child's frustration builds until they react physically. The tantrum is a physical response to an emotional situation. The child feels the lack of attention, warmth and love that they had come to expect in infancy being taken away from them. They do not have the words to explain all of this so they are likely to throw themselves on the floor, cry uncontrollably, and scream for extended periods of time.