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have a box of wine. (although I'm sure it sounds tempting sometimes) What I mean is sometimes kids have a bad day too. Setting them up with a movie, a book or a quiet toy to play with by themselves lets them regroup and "get themselves together" on their own.

Unfortunately all children are going to have tantrums. Usually in front of hundreds of witnesses who are going to look at you like you are the worlds worst parent no matter how good you are at your job. Take it in stride. It's going to happen... take a deep breath.. and try some of these tantrum stoppers.

*Distract your child in any way you can. They are upset that their favorite show isn't on tv? (By the way, who runs children's television these days? They flip flop shows all over the place!) Give them a book with their favorite character in it, or pop in a video. They want candy when you are at the grocery store? Ask them to help you pick out fruit in the produce department.

*Once again, leave them alone. Put them in a quiet spot (time out, their room, a corner) and tell them to calm down and you will talk about it when they have relaxed.

*Don't give in. Be consistent. You may have to deal with the current tantrum, but if your child sees that you aren't going to cave they are much less likely to use it as a manipulation factor.

*Be proud of your parenting. Don't let those looks from people make you change the way you are dealing with the situation. Remember, you have a great kid.

*Back yourself and your spouse up. Make sure you both have the same "rules" and that you both abide by them. Nothing confuses a child more than having 2 sets of rules.

All in all, nothing is going to stop your child from having the occasional tantrum. But thinking ahead, being consistent and having respect for your child will go a long way towards stopping the frequency. In the immortal words of Horton the Elephant:
"A Person's a Person, No Matter How Small." (Dr. Seuss)

Learn more about this author, Kelly Strade.
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