I have to agree with Kelly, Paris has never done that either and we do pretty much the same technique. I try really hard to spot what causes the tantrum, or what mood she's in that could result in a tantrum (ie. tired, cranky etc). I always tell her its ok to be upset, and ask her if she wants me to stay or go, and she'll usually tell me either way. And if she wants me to stay I'll ask her if she wants me to sit put my hand on her or just sit next to her. And I'll say to her that once she's calmed down we'll talk about it or do x. And we always DO talk about it. People have always told me that she's too little to understand or that she's not going to hear me in a tantrum, but amazingly she has. And as a result she never had many tantrums about anything she has learnt that communicating the problem (which we do after the tantrum) works best through example. AND I am known for tantrums myself LOL! Poor DH will cop it if I'm in a bad mood, or I'm trying to do something and its not working and I'm stressed, or whatever the situation is. And I always apologise for my behaviour after a tantrum and I'll analyse why I reacted that way and try and sort it out. I think she's learnt this too, because if she does get upset easily about something she'll tell me she's sorry if she yells or she'll ask to have a nap becuase she'll realise that her reaction is because she's tired etc.

I like her to feel safe when she loses control of her emotions, but I also like to offer solutions to try and prevent that reaction in the future and also try to help her to understand that whilst its ok to feel frustrated having a spack attack isn't going to help her or her situation. And she's got that. But I can't be completely unreasonable because I think that would be unfair considering I'm not perfect and neither is DH, we all have emotional outbursts at times, some more than others. But its how we deal with the situation afterwards that is most important as not only does it help us deal with how we feel, or what caused it, but also helps ourselves to prevent reacting that way in the future.

AND no two children are the same So who knows what techniques I'll need to adapt with my next child. Ask me in 2 yrs But I still think that regardless there is always a gentle approach.

*hugs*
Cailin