Feeling frustrated and helpless over child throwing temper tantrums? As a parent, how can you handle this situation? 

Children often act out tantrums in different form such as crying, screaming, hitting, kicking, stomping, throwing things, and breath holding. Temper tantrum is a challenging norm in children, especially between ages 1 and 4. Kids at this stage are still learning how to communicate effectively that they tend to vent their frustrations and protest their lack of control.

Though they are a normal part of the toddler, parents often feel distress, embarrass and shame when it happens, in public. It is natural to react that way.

The first step parents can resolve temper tantrum is to keep their own temper in check. Take a deep breath, gain control over your emotions, and then discipline your child by calmly but firmly letting him know that tantrums are not acceptable behavior.

If the child still won't calm down and you know the tantrum is just a tactic to gain parent's attention, don't give in. Even if you have to walk through the supermarket dragging your screaming toddler, just ignore the tantrum. Once your child realizes the temper tantrum isn't getting her anywhere, she'll stop screaming.

You can hold your child tightly to calm him down, and tell him gently that you love him but that you're not going to give him what he wants if he is upset to the point of being out of control. If that doesn't work, withdraw him from the situation and put him in a time-out for a minute or two to give him time to calm down. 

Pediatrician T. Berry Brazelton from Children's Hospital, Boston said, "If the child is safe, leave it to the child," as temper tantrums usually occur when the child is conflicted. He doesn't know whether to do this or that, go in or out. They are normal.