by BabyCenter Guest Blogger posted in Toddlerhood

By Bethanie Garcia
When I was pregnant with my first child, I got some great parenting advice -- probably the best I?ve ever received. My mom said to me, ?Parenting is hard. Worth it, but hard.? At the time, I thought, ?Uh, okay" Thanks for the encouragement, Mom!? But after three kids, I hold that advice close to my heart. It helps me know I'm not the only one facing parenting battles. I'm not the only one at my wit?s end. I'm not the only one trying not to go crazy.
Lately, the parenting battle has been tantrums. Every child is different and every mom or dad parents a different way, but no one is immune. Tantrums come in all shapes and sizes and can turn even the sweetest littles into little monsters! My almost-3-year-old is the sweetest child on the planet. She?s always been a mama?s girl and I thought she was perfect -- until she turned 2-and-a-half. She and her older sister gang up on me and coordinate their tantrums to occur at the same moment. At first, it was miserable. There was no turning back and nothing worked. But after a few years of parenting, I?ve learned a few hacks that can prevent a tantrum or sidetrack a child in the midst of one.
Here are my go-to's:

Coloring books: Have a coloring book and crayon set nearby. Sit your toddler down with the coloring book and crayons and walk away. Walk into the next room and take a breather.
Mott's for Tots Apple Juice: Mott's is basically my secret weapon. It?s ...