What is the best way to deal with a 2.5 year old throwing tantrums, especially in public? Will this be a phase that will pass?

Yes it will be a phase that will pass. The best way is to try talking to your child first. Otherwise to ignore the tantrums and stoo everything you are doing and head home. It take consistency. It will also be very tiring especially when you are trying to run errands and everything has to be halted. Another good idea is to prevent the situation. For example, if going to get groceries is a constant battle. Before you jead out, talk to your child, bring along some toys or snacks. These can be a situation which may need intervention. Otherwise go groceries on other days. Or even if walking to the sweet aile, will cause a rukus, avoid it. This is trying to prevent the situation from happening. Here is a link for more details. http://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/discipline/tantrum/tame-your-kids-tantrums/ Dont forget, not everything can be prevented always. This perhaps may help to minimize the outburst instead.