How do I start?

[Jerlin]

My DS will be 1 year old in November. For the past couple of months, it seems like he is exhibiting temper tantrums. I'm not sure if it's really a temper tantrums or just frustration because he can't verbalize what he wants. I'm in the process of teaching him baby sign language and he's picked up a few signs already. Anyway...

He likes to take some things and throw them down. I try to distract him with other things, but he's got a one track mind and stays focused on that one item (i.e., cell phone, phone, remote control, etc.). We've been keep them from his grasp, but he knows where we put them and points to them. I try to give him some other thing, but it's just no good. He keeps pointing to it and wants it. And when he gets it, he throws it down. My DH's cell phone is on its last leg.

It's just things like that.

I am against spankings, even if it's just a little pat on the bottom. Basically, we've been just catering to him, trying not to have him cry.

Any suggestions? Thanks!

[Kuba'sMama]

At this age distraction works best. So he's pointing to the cellphone, give him something else. He keeps pointing, make some silly commotion; sing a silly song, goof around, give him some tickles, etc. They have a pretty short attention span and love being silly. Make sure that the wanted item disappears from view during the commotion
Some kids are more persistant than others, you might have to change his surroundings as well, for example take him to another room, pick him up and run around the living room, throw him in the air a couple times... anything to get you out of the current "situation".
If he keeps fussing and pointing to the object, keep saying "no, no, no" but you can say it in a sing-song voice (not taunting, fun), and keep offering distractions "want to have a snack? want to go find your train, etc, etc" Don't cater to him to avoid him cry, but at the same time don't expect him to "get it". You'll be using distraction for the most part of the next year so perfect it!