I found that when Emily started to do this I would either try to distract her or ignore her attempt at trying to get her own way. I actually found to begin with walking away as soon as it starts was easiest, especially if your attempt at distraction fails.

I think if they learn that this behaviour gets no attention then it will happen less often.

Distraction like… “Wow, did you see the truck today?” or what ever that did that they enjoyed that day is best to distract them.

I don’t think that offering them something else is a good idea… in a way it is rewarding them for bad behaviour. I also feel that cuddling them when they are having a tantrum is not very good, as this may also be reinforcing the bad behaviour.

Also make sure that from now on he knows that he cannot have your mobile by never letting him have it. Set your boundaries and keep them where they are, and you will find they quickly learn what they are and aren’t allowed to do. Telling them one day that they can play with it and not letting them the next can be very confusing for them.

Good luck, I hope I have helped

Tanya