Children have meltdowns at the most inconvenient times — like during a special holiday meal that happens to be scheduled at your child’s regular nap time.
Everyone’s gathered around the table when your little one arches her back and lets out a blood-curdling scream. You know this isn’t a tantrum. Kids react this way when thrust out of their predictable routines into a whirlwind of activity and change.
The question is, What’s a parent to do? Here are a few tips for managing meltdowns:
Keep calm. Irritation will only make your child more anxious. Take a deep breath and count to 10.
Meet immediate needs. Determine what will bring your child comfort, such as food, drink, quiet, rest, a book or toy.
Have an escape plan. Sometimes it’s best to remove an exhausted, over-stimulated child from the situation.
Call in reinforcements. A second pair of hands is helpful. This person can help you gather your gear, fix a plate of food or just offer a smile and emotional support.
—Jean Blackmer, publishing manager of MOPS International and author of MomSense
This article first appeared in the December 2011 issue of
Thriving Family magazine. Copyright © 2011 by Jean Blackmer.
Used by permission. ThrivingFamily.com.
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