Great post christy! I think it is important to pick your battles. I know when DD has meltdowns (she is an only child) it is usually due to tiredness. So either I have to catch her before the meltdown and advert attention to something else or if I miss it, ride it out. I know that she eventually calms down and usually will want a cuddle or massge to help her wind down then she eventually goes to sleep or recharges. I also like Maks rules - safety is an important one & we put our foot down with DD if her safety (or someone elses) is compromised. I'd stick to what you are doing, I think it wouldn't be beneficial to try a completely different strategy I think that would add to confusion and possibly longer tantrums.