Mel, I'm sure most mothers have been in your position and at least FELT like throwing the toy even if they didn't do it!

What I find works for Lucy is to be really excited about whatever it is I am trying to do to distract her. Rather than say, get out of there, stop that, give her an exciting alternative. I've always found 'No' less effective. So I say 'Let's read a book/Oh, can you see the birds outside/whatever' in a really excited tone of voice and jump up and down about it a bit myself. I felt like a bit of a goose the first couple of times but littlies seem to respond to big gestures much better.

At Aricyn's age I would think that distraction is probably more effective than trying intense discipline. Everything is over so quickly when you're his age!