Remind yourself that tantrums are designed to get your attention and that ignoring them might make them stop. Don't be fooled into ignoring them and then, when they start up again, getting involved. It is vital that you are consistent in ignoring them - unless the situation escalates and you think someone is about to get hurt.
Laverne Antrobus, child psychologist and author of Ain't Misbehavin' (Pearson Books, £9.99)
