My girls are the exact same way. One I could get stern and raise my voice until I'm blue in the face and it doesn't even affect her. The other one, all I have to do is slightly raise my voice and she bursts into tears. I always feel so bad too. Overall, they are very good listeners, so luckily I don't have to be "mean Mommy" too often.

It gets easier. My daughter is the same way. I used to feel bad for being stern or raising my voice, but now that she's 19 months old, and I've had to deal with her mini-tantrums for a little while, I rarely feel bad anymore! Mainly I think it's because I've noticed that she gets that way because she's mad that she's not getting what she wants, and not necessarily because her feelings are hurt. I think the best gauge of how they're feeling is how they act a few minutes after the incident, or how easily distracted they are from crying. When she starts screaming or throws herself on the ground because she can't do what she wants, I just walk away. If she follows me, crying (with tears, not just screaming) and holding her arms up to be held, I comfort her because she's genuinely upset. Most of the time though, she doesn't do that, and she'll eventually (in a minute or 2) just get up and do something else, or I'll offer her a different toy or distraction, which usually works.

Just remember that you're a great mommy, regardless of how bad they make you feel sometimes!

I don't think tantrums are caused by a child not getting their way, but by brain wiring in toddlerhood. If you think about it, a child sees something and the brain wants to interact with it. When you intervene, it'll cause a child to cry because they are deadset on doing something and you won't let them. Sudden changes like that will bring on tantrums quicker than anything. The brain is either delayed or inable to form a suitable reaction.

If you can find a way to distract a child (with something that they are allowed to do) while taking the attention away from what they are doing wrong, you can avoid tantrums altogether. I find this very helpful when I'm stuck in one of those days where I am telling DD "no" every few minutes. It encourages good behavior, makes for a happier child, and there's less crying!

I wouldn't call it a tantrum at all, she just seems hurt for a few seconds, then moves on. If I say no too loud, she will really cry, then immediately wants to come over and get a hug to make up. It breaks my heart when I hurt her feelings. I guess I just worry about her letting things get to her too much when she's older. Other kids (like when they get into school) can be really cruel, and I hope that she doesn't let it hurt her feelings too much then.

My son can be this way sometimes... When he does get his little feelings hurt and wants the hug for comfort I get right down there and give it to him. But I also give an explanation with the hug. "Mommy will not allow you to get into that drawer because (fill in the blank). I'm sorry you got your feelings hurt but there is no exception to this rule. And even though you got in "trouble" mommy still loves you very much. He is only 18 months and probably doesn't get half of it but sooner or later he will. AND sooner than later, he will most likely toughen up a bit. :) Oh the things kids do to their mommys!