A two-year old, exerting his egocentric outlook on life? That's the first thing that used to come to my mind too.
Not any more.
The other thing that was markedly different was the fact that Johnny's bedroom didn't have a television, cell-phone, iPad, iPod or computer in it. It was a place for Johnny to think, reflect on his behavior, read and sleep. No distractions. Research is finding now that was a very good thing for little Johnny, because he needed to have about 10 hours of sleep at night; only technology like this is causing him to have sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation causes grumpy kids, and tantrum-ready kids.
Things have changed as I look at these things from my dinosaur point of view. It seems like a real disconnect in the relationship between a parent and child.
Cyber Snooping
There are cameras that let you snoop on the babysitter, or the dog walker. No matter where you are, know that a camera is there. And if the dog walker doesn't walk that dog just right, it seems you're entitled to have a hissy fit.
How about the car cams that are becoming an essential thing now? It's fear that does it; fear that someone will kill you in a fit of road rage and everyone will know who did it! - a different kind of tantrum.
This last one is another strategy altogether. Something lots of parents would love to do, but only in their dreams would get the opportunity.
Vicki