Appropriate age group(s):
Preschool and Younger

Description of technique for dealing with temper tantrums:
Sometime when disciplining give them a time to calm down, when you are about to enter into a power struggle, which advisably you do not, take some time. Then gently make another offer. Give them two choices that are both acceptable to you. If the request is unreasonable then do not give in to it. If they choose to wear a long sleeve top on a hot winter's day (though it was not one of the choices presented) let them put it on. Put the sleeveless and shorts in the bag so when it gets too hot for them then they may decide to agree with you. Children may constantly try to push their boundaries /limits especially if they are able to in certain circumstances. Always just be stern and firm. It is helping your child's development learning about the rules of society, though it may be difficult. It is also good to let your child experience the consequence of their action, or the mess they have made. Ask them to clean it up, help you clean it up, and not just do it yourself though it may be easier. It raises their awareness of what happens and gives them a better understanding of situations or why you did not agree to it. Most children do like to help out in any way. Even when you thought they were about to get over testing the water with the many different adults they get to encounter- mommy, daddy, grandparents, teachers and aunts and uncles- you might see a bout of it again, and again just be stern and firm. It too shall pass (if dealt with properly, if not it may be seen again in the teen years!)

Other suggestions or comments:
more here: Montessori - Temper Tantrums