I have a few articles for you. Firstly, remember that developmental milestones regularly happen (wonder weeks) and this can make them more clingy, crying and cranky. During this time they need more reassurance, love and connection with mum and dad, to help them through it. The Wonder Weeks book is brilliant and essential for all new parents!

The Wonder Weeks - What Are The Wonder Weeks?

There are loads of great articles in BellyBelly's toddler section, some specific to tantrums:

* Setting Limits For Your Toddler
* Toddler Tantrums: 9 Tips For Taming Toddler Tantrums
* Discipline and Your Toddler: 9 Effective Tips
* Routines For Happy Toddlers
* Toddler Tantrums: 8 Things To Say No To

Finally;

* 11 Reasons Why Smacking Is Ineffective And Damaging

At the end of the day, toddlers don't mean to annoy and frustrate you. My 25 month old barely tantrums, she doesn't sleep the best overnight, but she is a fun little thing who loves to help out with everything we do. Why? Because we are always responding to her needs and cues. She can't speak to me and express what's going on for her in any other way, so by responding when she seems to need it helps to strengthen her security, self esteem, confidence and independence. This is the gentle parenting advantage. It doesn't give those instant gratification results people seem so desperate for, but with patience and persistence, it has massive benefits and makes things easier in the long run. This is why I chose to make BellyBelly a gentle birth and parenting website - its based on good science and best for our babies. Between 0-2 a baby's brain triples in size - it lays some important foundations for life. Fill it with good stuff x

Re: dinnertime, it can be a parent's biggest challenge of the day... if your partner isn't going to be available, its a matter of organising before hand, either in the morning, during naps or even buying something easy for yourself. A roast chook from the shop is one of the more healthy takeaways, chuck together a salad and too easy! But at a time when a baby is most tired and on the downhill run for the day, there is only one way you can stop her being so emotional