Temper temper!

Perhaps leave it a few weeks and then say, ‘Shall we try again? You remember we have to go as soon as the story ends?’

In the end children will respond to a consistent, affectionate approach and they’ll learn to deal with frustration, anger and confusion if you stick to the boundaries you’ve established.

Sometimes, it’s you who needs to calm down after a tantrum. The incident may be over as far as your child is concerned but you may still be steaming. Count to ten, have a cup of coffee – whatever helps you to settle back below simmer level. But, whatever you do, don’t brood over it or keep revisiting it with your child. It will only escalate the problem.