Setting limits with toddlers

Setting limits can be tricky period but setting them with toddlers can often feel like slamming your head into a brick wall. This article offers an excellent example of the kind of approach we use with our kids and have found to be effective as well as in line with our family values: http://www.regardingbaby.org/2014/04/12/no-ifs-ands-or-buts-setting-limits-with-empathy/

What have you found to be effective in your family?

 

I remember reading, I think it was, the 1-2-3 discipline book and they had a similar philosophy.  Acknowledge the feeling and be in the moment. The more emotional the parent is, the child becomes even more emotional.  I have found when my two were this age, keeping a neutral and calm voice seemed to settle them more than anything.  
Tantrums, as hard as it was, I ignored them.  As long as they were in safe place, I let them have them.  Because I came to find out the tantrums were just a grab for attention and if I swooped in there, it made the tantrum go longer and reinforced it as a coping mechanism.
Once the child was calmed down, I would say I can help you better now that you are quieter and not screaming.
I also found reminding both kids what was going to happen and rehearsing with them about the signals of when it's time go was also effective.  

 

Nancy touched on some great points.  Making a big deal about the tantrum just meant it was going to happen again and the tantrum would be longer.  Warning times to transition periods Is vital!