Remember it's all about will power, you only have to be just stronger than them. I mean, they're toddlers.. How hard can it be?? Haha..
1. Distraction - I become extremely engrossed in a task and make it seem rather exciting.. This is my first attempt to stop a toddler in the early tantrum stages. I use the 'dinner theory' - if I'm enjoying it, they want to be doing it/eating it too.
2. Encouragement - this gem is one of my mums from when I was her little angel. I pretend I'm really enjoying their tantrum and encourage them to scream louder/kick harder/ cry longer. Because as you know, a strong-willed tantrum thrower never wants to do what mum wants, and this sometimes will be enough to stop a tantrum even in full swing. Warning - it may also make it worse.. Awesome right?
3. Water off a duck's back - this one I use when I have multiple children screaming at once and I need to address one problem at a time. I am the kind of person that feels very emotional when my kids cry. So, I visualise the crying washing over me but not affecting me so that I can focus on meeting my kids needs one at a time. This one is for those bad days when you haven't quite reached #4 desperation.. Yet..
4. Denial - another of my mum's methods (yes, I was a such a gift of a child to my mother). This tactic is all about pretending that these aren't your children. Now, this one you reserve for those super bad days. Yes, you go about caring for them but you mentally separate yourself from the situation so as not to break down crying. I say things to myself like - "oh that poor mother", "how trying for that mother to have to endure that" and "gosh, my heart goes out to her, I should pour her some wine..". I know this may seem drastic (and a little crazy!), but I assure you, if you have strong-willed children, some days it is 100% necessary to maintain your sanity.
You can do this! I'd love to hear your tactics too! I always need fresh ideas with my ever-changing precious little bundles.
