What can I do to stop my 14-month-old son from throwing terrible tantrums?

My son is 14 months old and if he doesn't get what he wants, he throws a terrible tantrum, throwing himself on the ground or hitting out at whoever happens to be near. Help! What can I do to stop this terrible behaviour?

Those tantrums that you describe can really test the patience of any carer. For the 14-month-old child, however, they are about the best way he has to let you know that he's determined to enjoy something, or eager to stop what he's doing, or he's feeling hot, cold, hungry, full, bored, tired or raring to go. As language develops over the next six months or so, your child will be able to express his needs and interests more diplomatically. For now, first satisfy yourself that he is not in danger, then scoop him up and playfully distract him with a sing-song style of reassuring words and alternative activity. Know your own limits, too! If you're exhausted (and wishing you could throw a tantrum yourself), find someone you trust to lend a hand with your child. I wonder, by the way, if your son might be an excitable, dramatic personality by nature. If so, he's probably just as boisterous when he's laughing with joy. He's the type who, in time, can channel his intensity into great leadership skills and his efforts will make him successful.