Babies and toddlers are a delight to parents and most adults. They're these cute, chubby little lumps that you just want to pinch and hug and kiss all the time. Until they throw a fit.

What are temper tantrums?

These fits are called temper tantrums. Temper tantrums are your child's expression of immediate and intense frustration. They usually occur at an age when the child's language skills are not yet developed enough for him/her to express his/her surging emotions.

According to experts, by the time your child learns how to walk, they develop an urge to make their own decisions. As far as development goes, this is a milestone. But for your child to make the decision his/hers, he/she must contradict you.

This phase is what is referred to as "the terrible twos." However, this stage actually starts way before your child turns two, and continues until he/she is about 3 years old. For most kids, the temper tantrum stage is most intense between ages 1 ½ to 3 years old. Kids throw fewer tantrums as their language skills improve.

How do kids behave during this stage?

Some children cry and scream. There are kids who cry hard enough to throw up. Then there are those who thrash their arms and kick their legs, or throw themselves on the ground. Some kids even hold their breath, even up to the point where they pass out.

How do parents deal with temper tantrums?

When your child is throwing a fit, one thing you should never do is yield. In fact, you should give your child as much attention as if he/she wasn't throwing a fit. If you do, they will realize that they can get more out of you, or worse, get their way when they have temper tantrums.

The next time your kid throws a temper tantrum, just take a deep breath and try to relax. It's difficult, but you must try. Your next move depends entirely upon your child.

Some kids, when you pick them up and hug them, thaw instantly. Then there are those who would try to hit you when you try to pick them up. You can also try calming you child by voicing out what he/she wants. Some kids quiet down after that.

Then again, there are kids who will wait for what you're going to say next. And if what you say is not what they want, they'll start acting up again. You will have to test which method works with your child. What's important is that you try to help him/her understand that everything is okay and that his/her frustrations will soon pass, that growing boys and girls go through that.

How can tantrums be prevented?

There's no surefire technique to prevent a tantrum. What you can try to avoid is to having tantrums at the worst possible time, like being out in public for instance.

Most kids throw fits when they are hungry, uncomfortable, tired, bored or over-stimulated. So plan your outside trips, like shopping for instance, when your child is fed, rested and healthy. Interact with your child throughout your trips or keep him/her entertained by bringing along toys or books.

Finally, make shopping trips a way for our child to learn about making choices. For instance, when your child asks for something say "let's put it in our list", instead of saying "no." When you're done, ask your child to choose one or two thing from his /her list.

You can also teach your child how to make proper choices by giving him a limited set of choices. To site an example, ask your child "would you rather have jell-o or cereal bars?" This works because one, he/she still gets to decide.

The lack of options of direct commands is what frustrates your child. Two, he/she will decompensate if offered too many options. Three, limited options reassure your child. Children feel secure in knowing that you are in charge.