Quarterback Dad
You only get one chance to raise a child.
Enjoy every moment that you are with your star. But always remember, you are a parent first and foremost. Set boundaries early in life or you will never be able to set them when they are teens.
Dealing With Temper Tantrums
All kids have them, you just have to learn to deal with it. Stay calm and ignore the outburst. You are an adult and understand that flailing on the ground and screaming doesn't work. Although, when I was teaching I often wanted to. Stay calm and relaxed. In your sweetest voice, simply say "I don't respond to that tone of voice." She will settle down, eventually. You want to be careful not to escalate the anger by raising your voice. You may have to take her outside if you are in a public place. Most strangers understand the terrible twos, threes, and fours. What they won't understand is you screaming at a child.
Kids very quickly learn if you are going to give in. If it takes thirty minutes of screaming to get you to cave, they win. And you also reinforce that the screaming will work. Make sure she is in a safe environment and let her scream bloody murder. In a car seat is a good place to let her vent away as you drive home. Her screaming actually sounds a lot like some of the 80's hair bands.
More articles, hints, and tips will be added over the next month. Feel free to contact me with articles, links, and advice.
For humorous anecdotes about the day-to-day job of raising a toddler check out my blog on the links page.