What tactics have you used to combat your children's growing pains ? Share your experiences with us in the comments section below.

Have a plan
Negotiate and set boundaries before you head out with your child. 'Tell them what you're doing before you leave and try to get the child to agree with your terms,' says clinical psychologist, Brecht. 'Say to your child: "We're going to see The Wiggles today. We can enjoy the concert and while we can look at the toys and showbags, we won't be taking any home, all right?" If you're going to the shops, then you should say you're going to the grocery store and you're only buying batteries and some food for dinner - nothing else. That way, you're not leaving them much room for argument as you've set a firm agenda and it's clear what's expected.'

Write it down
If your child is persistent about taking something home with them from the shops, another trick is to write down what they want, so they can see you're acknowledging their wishes. Tell them if they're good, you'll consider getting it for their birthday next month.

Sharing toys
A young child can't always see the fairness in letting other people play with his things. Avoid negative statements such as: 'Share your toys, naughty boy.' Instead, keep it positive and say: 'In this house we take turns. Let's share our toys with Jesse and we'll set the clock for 15 minutes each.'

Gentle whispers
'If your child is screaming and you speak very quietly, they'll have to become a lot quieter to hear you,' Grant says. 'And try making eye contact and physically moving to your child's level to talk.'

Home horribilis
While at home, it's always a good idea to simply ignore tantrums. 'The less reaction a child gets, the less likely they'll be to throw one,' Grant explains. 'If the child is particularly naughty, pick them up, put them in a room with the door open and tell them they can come out when they show they can behave.'

Tidying up
Kids love competition, even it if it's against the clock. Say: 'Grandma will be here in five minutes. Let's set the alarm clock and see if we can tidy up before she arrives.' Also, break big tasks down into specific, smaller tasks. 'Clean up the house,' sounds a little overwhelming to a child. Try saying: 'First, let's put the jigsaw pieces back in the red box, then put teddy on the bed.'

The right stuff
'Another great tip is to catch your kids being good,' Grant says. 'Give your children plenty of praise when they do the right thing.'

Take time out
'If the child is hysterical and you're in public, you shouldn't give in to their demands,' Grant says. 'However, there's little you can do, except take them out of the place that triggered their outrage and escape to a quiet corner until they calm down.'

What tactics have you used to combat these growing pains ? Share your experiences with us in the comments section below.