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Speaking Point: All toddlers at some point have a temper tantrum, even the most good-natured. They're a normal part of development and don't have to be seen as something terrible or wrong. Most children don't have the same inhibitions or control, as adults do. Thinks about this… you have just bought a new computer. You can’t wait to put it together, and no matter what you do, you can’t get it hooked up properly. You read the manual. But something is wrong. You are starting to get very frustrated. So, you start throwing the cords around, cursing and slamming doors. Sound familiar? That's the adult version of a tantrum. Toddlers are also trying to master the world and when they aren't able to accomplish this, they start venting their frustration - a tantrum is born!

Speaking Point: There are several basic causes of tantrums:

Speaking Point: • Don’t yell and scream. The most important thing to keep in mind when you're faced with a child in the throes of a tantrum, be cool. Don't complicate the problem with your own frustration. Kids can sense when parents are becoming frustrated. This can just make your child's frustration worse, and you may have a more exaggerated tantrum on your hands. Instead, take a breath and try to think clearly.

Speaking Point: • Don’t reward your child after a tantrum by giving in. This will only prove to your little one that the tantrum was effective. Instead, verbally praise your child for regaining control.

Speaking Point: • Do not spank or hit your child, as this does not help the situation. Physical tactics send the message that using force and physical punishment is OK. Instead, have enough self-control for both of you.

Speaking Point: • Evaluate and try to understand what's going on. Tantrums should be handled differently depending on the cause. Try to understand where your child is coming from. For example, if your little one has just had a great disappointment, you may need to provide comfort.

Speaking Point: • Distract or remove your child from the situation. It's a different situation when the tantrum stems from a child's being refused something. Toddlers have basic reasoning skills, so you aren't likely to get far with explanations. Distract your child. Take advantage of your little one's short attention span by offering a replacement for the coveted object or beginning a new activity to replace the frustrating or forbidden one. Or simply change the environment. Take your child outside or inside or move to a different room.

Speaking Point: Ignoring the outburst is one way to handle it - if the tantrum poses no threat to your child or others. Continue your activities, paying no attention to your child but remaining within sight. Don't leave your little one alone, though, otherwise he or she may feel abandoned on top of all of the other uncontrollable emotions.

Speaking Point: • Take your child to a quiet, safe, place to calm down, if he is in danger of hurting himself or herself or others during a tantrum. This also applies to tantrums in public places.

Speaking Point: • Be consistent in your discipline, as your child will learn she can’t get away with anything.