• If your child wants attention, give it to them. One of the most common reasons children act up is because they get attention for it. Negative attention from a parent is better than no attention at all in their world. Rather than letting it get to the point where they are starved enough for attention that they throw a fit, catch them when they are being good and praise them. Reward them with attention for positive behavior.
• Offer minor choices. Children can pitch a fit when they don't get what they want. Rather than giving them the opportunity to tell you "no," give them a choice. For example, when it's time for bed, ask your toddler if he wants to wear his train jammies or his doggie jammies. Rather than telling you no, he won't put his PJ's on, he gets to choose which one he wants to wear.
• If an object is off-limits, like the remote for example, keep it out of site and out of reach. You won't deal with power struggles if they can't get the object of their want to begin with.
• Distraction is a great tool. Toddlers have extremely short attention spans, so take advantage of that. Offer a replacement for the object of their want or starting a new activity to replace the one that was causing their frustration.
• Give you child a chance for success. Kids get upset and frustrated when they fail at mastering a new task. Give them age-appropriate toys and games. Even if your child doesn't perform something perfectly, give them praise.
• Choose your battles. Just because your child wants something, doesn't mean you shouldn't give it to him. Accommodate your child when you can and consider their requests carefully.
• Be sure you know your child's limits. If you know it's almost nap-time, don't try to squeeze in grocery shopping, even if it will only take you ten minutes. It isn't worth the fight.

The most important tool for you is to be consistent. Children learn their limits quickly and though they may test them from time to time, as long as you stay consistent and don't give in, they are less likely to throw a tantrum.

If you don't successfully avoid a tantrum, it's okay. Keep your cool. Here are some tips to help you navigate it successfully:

• Keep your temper in control. Kids can sense when they are getting the better of you.
• Don't use physical threat to end their temper tantrum. Using force simply tells your child that it is okay to hit, spank, or push to get what they want.
• What they are throwing a tantrum over will determine how you handle it. If they've been disappointed, they may need comfort. If they've been refused something they want, don't try to reason with them, they won't understand, just ignore them.
• If your child is throwing a tantrum in a public place or where they could get hurt, they need to be taken to a quiet, safe place to calm down.
• Don't give in. Your child will learn that their behavior will get them what they want and they will continue to throw tantrums past the age where they can be easy to control.
• Once your child has calmed down, verbally praise them for regaining control.