Toddlers are on an emotional see-saw - quick to laugh and snuggle up to you one minute, yet just as likely to get easily upset and angry the next. They've not yet had time to get used to how they're feeling or to cope with different emotions, let alone control themselves. Tantrums usually arise when they're feeling frustrated - they either want to do something which you can't let them do because it's dangerous or unacceptable, or they're too small and physically incompetent and so can't manage something on their own. As well as being tiring and emotionally draining for you, tantrums can damage a child's self esteem and waste time and energy. So what are they and how can you avoid them?

Fight Club
Toddlers are most notorious for their tantrums - they're not called the terrible twos for nothing! But it's not just toddlers that can have them - some nine-month old babies and a lot of four-year olds have full-blown tantrums. When your child is having one, it's like someone has pulled a switch and their fuse has blown - they're overcome by a terrific rage and act as if they're fighting with demons (writhing, kicking, screaming, shouting, running around wildly, even sometimes throwing up or holding their breath until they pass out).

Take Aim
Your child will probably start practising having tantrums long before its second birthday. Although these early efforts are usually very funny, try not to laugh - this will encourage them to have another go as they'll love the attention. If you ignore them, they'll usually give up and sheepishly carry on as before.

Don't Pull the Trigger
You'll probably find that if your toddler has started to have tantrums more often, they'll follow a pattern. Here are a few common triggers, plus some tips to help you cut down the number of tantrums your toddler has.

-Toddlers are much more likely to get frustrated when they're hungry or tired - try to stick to a routine for meals and naps, plus take plenty of healthy snacks with you when you're out.

-A well-balanced diet is important and try and make sure they're not eating too much sugar or too many additives. The evidence isn't conclusive, but some parents find that their children calm down if they cut down the amount of sugar, food dyes and additives in their diet.

-Try and set a good example with your behaviour - if they see you shouting a lot or flying into a rage at the drop of a hat they're more likely to mimic you.

-Give plenty of praise (and attention) when they're behaving well - if the only time you react is when they whinge or act up, they'll do it more.

-Avoid confrontation as you much as you can. Toddlers hate being rushed or told what to do all the time. This means you'll have to be smart - if you know they'll want to go on the swings when you walk to the shops but you're in a rush, try pretending they're in a space rocket in their buggy and zoom along an alternative route!

-If you know there are situations that always seem to trigger a tantrum then avoid them as much as you can. If supermarket trips are a nightmare, keep them short, encourage your child to help you shop by choosing items and loading up the trolley and distract them with small toys, magazines and healthy snacks. Plus don't forget online shopping is a wonderful thing!