How to Calm Angry Children and Prevent Tantrums

"My husband and I try to step in before the tantrum happens, but sometimes that is impossible! In those cases, we try to remember not to take our daughter's words personally." -Denise, California

"My husband and I have tried many tricks to avoid tantrums since our son was 2. Taking something from him -- a toy -- for a couple of days works sometimes. We remember to love our child, no matter what, and make sure he knows it." -Debra, Pennsylvania

"I tell my son to look into my eyes while I am talking to him, instead of dancing around the room. Then I ask him to make a choice between A and B, and I encourage him to choose the right one." -Dawn, Florida

How to Handle Temper Tantrums

"I nip tantrums in the bud. I hold up three fingers -- one stands for Happy, another for Playful, and the third for Calm -- and ask my children to pick a new mood." -Amber, Ohio

How to Cope as a Couple When Tantrums Happen

"We have accepted -- finally -- that our children have ADD/ADHD and that there will be tough moments like this. Our job is to keep the fallout from those moments from spilling over into our relationship." -An ADDitude Reader

"During meltdowns, my husband and I tell each other that 'this too shall pass.' We nurture each other with small acts of kindness, and remember why we got married!" -Helene, California

"My husband and I agree on how we're going to react before my son acts violent or defiant or has a meltdown. He can’t divide us by appealing to one parent over the other." -Maureen, Illinois

"Working closely with my husband and having long talks with him help our marriage."-Janelle, Wisconsin