The PDA that never needs charged

This one is from my son. He got tired of a handheld machine that lost its battery charge too quickly because it held everything in ram. Not only that, but when it lost its charge, it also lost any data that wasn't backed up on the computer. He made, with duct tape, a "wallet" just the right size for 3x5 cards. (A small makeup case or pouch would work, too, or even a large change purse.) It allows for quick note taking, easy reading, and rearranging and disposal for convenience. And it never needs charged.

Terrible twos

How do you handle a two-year-old tantrum? They can be frazzling.

The thing to remember is that the child has three possible reasons for having a tantrum:
1. For attention
2. To test you and your reaction
3. Fatigue

The fourth reason, being "spoiled," generally does not appear until later, if the parent reacts in a way that rewards the child's desire for negative attention or gives the child what he demands.

Now, I recognize that children are not one size fits all, and that works for one kid might not work for another; but one method I've found very effective may work for many other parents as well. When my son hit the terrible twos and began throwing tantrums, I responded (calmly -- it is important that they know they can't push your buttons!) by saying "go cry in your room." This deprived him of getting attention for outbursts, making angry tears unrewarding. If he really needed to cry, he wasn't forbidden it; he just had to do it on his own and calm down before coming out. He very quickly learned how to turn off tantrum tears and say "I'm all done crying!"

The caution, though, is that you have to be careful to recognize when fatigue is the root of his behavioral problems. Sometimes he really will need outside calming, because he's too tired to be in control of his own emotions. At those times, a hug and a nap will often do wonders. Just don't let him learn to manipulate you into thinking that all tantrums are fatigue!