Practical phrases to de-escalate toddler tantrums without threats or time-outs

[Anthony_G]

I'm trying to shift towards a more gentle parenting approach with my three-year-old, especially during tantrums and power struggles over simple things like getting dressed. I understand the theory of validating feelings, but in the heat of the moment, I often default to old patterns of frustration. For parents who practice gentle parenting with toddlers, what specific, practical phrases or de-escalation techniques have you found most effective for maintaining your own calm and helping your child through big emotions without resorting to threats or time-outs?