Tantrums!

Starred review from August 1, 2014

Phelan, of 1-2-3 Magic fame, offers another winner in the parenting literature with this brief, colorfully illustrated book focused on the dreaded tantrum. Recognizing that tantrums are a rite of passage for nearly all children, the author attempts to help parents gradually "decrease in frequency, intensity and duration" their child's outbursts, preparing for the "hell week," in which kids will get worse before they get better. He shares humorous quotes from his Facebook followers ("it takes a child seven minutes to get over a meltdown but a parent needs three hours"); the cold, hard facts ("tantrums do not mean your child is mentally ill"); and diagnostic insight into the tantrum's inner workings: veto, incubation, and explosion. Summarized in one sentence, Phelan's recommendation is that parents give one brief and firm explanation and then shut up. VERDICT The book's pleasing layout, humorous cartoons, and spot-on examples--combined with its short length and affordable price--make this a must-read for parents, especially those who fear they have bred a velociraptor. (Available as DVD and ebook from parentmagic.com.)

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