A MUSICAL mum with two tots prone to tantrums has launched a unique CD to help frustrated parents defuse mini-meltdowns.

Award-winning children’s television composer Victoria Arlidge, from St Albans, has seen first hand the therapeutic effects and developmental benefits that music can have on little minds through her regular local music group for tots.

The 39-year-old from Paxton Road has won BAFTA and EMMY credits for her work on Animal Antics on Channel 5’s Milkshake and Channel 5 documentary Umbrella Assassin, and has composed the music for more than 240 kids’ TV shows altogether.

After having her own two children called Zoe and Oli, who are now aged four and two respectively, Victoria decided to put her talents to use and set up a regular music group for tots and their mums in St Albans.

And she quickly realised how singing to children when they were upset or on the verge of having a tantrum would help to defuse the situation, which led her to come up with the idea for her CD Tunes 4 Toddler Tantrums.

She said: “Any parent with pre-school age children will tell you they spend a great deal of their time trying to avoid situations that will trigger tantrums. Unfortunately, it isn’t always possible because the most common everyday tasks, such as brushing teeth, getting in the buggy and meal times, can be a real struggle for parent and child.

“Being a real believer in the powerful effects of music, I wondered why there wasn’t anything on the market to specifically help parents with tantrums, a CD that would turn that negative energy into musical fun and games. So I decided to produce my own. I’m really pleased that the feedback I am getting suggests that the CD is helping local mums beat the baby blues.”

There are 10 catchy songs on the CD which have gone down very well with Victoria’s Pitter Patter music groups so far.

Each song addresses a common tantrum trigger, and includes a game or imaginary activity to distract the children from their outburst.

The CD has won praise from local parents including St Albans mum Leoni Kibbey, who is an actress and casting director with two children, one of whom is a toddler.

Leoni said the CD has been a life-saver as she juggled two busy jobs in showbusiness, which has recently included casting a new film starring Chris Noth (otherwise known as Mr Big from Sex and the City), acting herself and producing her own film.

She continued: “A lot of my work is from home, so I need to keep my youngest happy. This CD really has helped me nip those tantrums in the bud. And it works because the toddler gets to play a part – it’s a bit like them acting in their own production.”

Tunes 4 Toddler Tantrums costs �9.99 from www.tunes4toddlertantrums.co.uk