Thanks so much for the reply. I really do hope she is only pushing my buttons and doesn't have low self esteem (although more praise and encouragement would certainly help). I may not have explained the tantrums too clearly while in my frazzled state writing my post. My daughter's tantrums can come out at any time of frustration or anger and she even admitted to me once that she takes it out on me because she knows I will always love her no matter what. It just happened to be right before school that time and I didn't know what to do first. I am trying my best to stay calm and not to let her actions or comments get to me, but sometimes it does wear me out and even hurt my feelings. Thanks again for your thoughts. It all helps.