Use Distraction to Avoid Tantrums

Looking for a simple, low-stress technique to prevent your kids from having major meltdowns? Distract them! Say your kid, arms crossed and red-faced, refuses to take a bath (or go to bed or put her toys away or fill-in-the-blank). She's drawn her line in the sand.

Possible "distraction": Show your stubborn cutey her favorite bath toys and maybe even dance the toys toward the tub to see if she follows. Often the more creative you get with your distractions, the more effective they are. You might be surprised at how quickly your kid's "NO's!" give way to blissful cooperation.

Yes, distraction is great for getting toddlers and preschoolers off the tantrum track, but it may not work magic with older kids who either A) know what you're up to or B) are more determined to go head-to-head with you for something they want. So take advantage of the tried-and-true distraction technique—quick!—before they out grow it.