
Purpose: To de-stigmatize the tantrum as a moral failure and reframe it as a neurological event.
-
The BNE of Emotion: Emotions aren’t “good” or “bad”; they are information and energy seeking expression and adaptation. Frustration is the energy of Anger/Fear that arises when a biological goal (control, autonomy) is blocked.
-
The Simplified Triune Brain (Ages 2-6):
-
Brainstem (Reptilian): Survival reaction (fight, flight, freeze). Where uncontrollable tantrums originate.
-
Limbic System (Emotional): Center for feelings and attachment. Seeks connection and safety.
-
Prefrontal Cortex (Reason): The “decision-maker” and regulator. At this age, it’s largely offline or immature. Logic is useless during a tantrum.
-
-
The Tantrum Short-Circuit: When a child is frustrated, their Reptilian Brain takes over. The adult’s job is to be the external regulation system until the child’s cortex can reactivate.