Thanks for all your replies! I knew there would be some ripper tanty stories out there!

Unfortunately, DS is a bit young for the rules/explaination thing. I do still try to explain, because who knows what he actually understands, and like Sarah H said, it keeps me sane!

In a strange way, I am a little bit relieved. He's generally so easy going and gets over things so quickly, and I was worried he might never really chuck a good tanty, and I don't think that would actually be good for him. I know tanties are awfully painful for us as parents, but isn't it all about them discovering their own wills and selves? I'm glad he's entering on that journey for himself (keep repeating this to myself....keep repeating....)