In some aspects, I was very lucky. They never had problems with teething, illness, discipline, or many of the other usual childhood issues. However fortunate, I'd like to think we, as parents, also had something to do with that.
When I was 19, I witnessed a child misbehaving terribly in public. The mother took the child aside and stated very calmly, but authoritatively with finger in face, "Even on my weakest days, I'll always be stronger than you." Kid never made a peep after that.
I don't know what was more surprising: The fact that it actually worked for her, or that the philosophy helped me 8 years later.
Admitting that 8 years later your child had a tantrum. Good for you. Every child has tantrums. It's not that hard to admit. And being touched by a stranger IN the middle of that tantrum, is difficult for a three year old.
That was the point you overlook there Dad.