How To Help Your Child Through A Meltdown

Little kids have big feelings and meltdowns are big feelings. Many of us want to stop a meltdown immediately, but we can’t suppress big emotions. The best way to help your child through a meltdown is with support.

A meltdown is a response to an overwhelming situation. You may see it coming or it may appear as though a switch has been flipped in your child. Either way, once the meltdown begins, your child is no longer in control. Feeling out of control can feel scary and cause panic. It’s your job to help your child find the calm. The meltdown will end, even if they have to wear themselves out in the process.

Help Your Child Through a Meltdown

You can help your child through a meltdown by remembering these simple steps – – Breathe, Quiet, and Wait.

Breathe

The best way for you to help your child through a meltdown is by taking inventory of your emotions and calming down yourself. In most aspects of life we lead our children by example, and this is no different.

When your child is having a meltdown it’s important to not match their anxiety with your own. Take deep, calming breaths. Try and calm your mind and relax your body. Allow your child to feel calmness from you.

I know this may be difficult, especially if you’re in public. Most of us want the meltdown to be over quickly. And while that’s understandable, these emotions are too big to be shut down.

Quiet – Less is More

The peak of big emotions isn’t the time to teach breathing techniques or to ask questions about what happened or why.

When your child is in the throes of a meltdown, they don’t have the ability to process new information or think clearly. This is the time to speak less. When you speak, do so with calmness and kindness.

You can simply state “I’m here for you” and be there for your child during and after the meltdown.

Wait Until It’s Over to Help Your Child Through a Meltdown

Big emotions override logical thinking. This isn’t the time to give ultimatums. Your child simply can’t process that type of logical thinking at this moment.

When your child has calmed, and you too are calm, then you can look into the behavior and the emotions that you saw. Be careful not to punish emotions. Big emotions are natural. Your job is to help teach the proper way to express those emotions. Anger (emotion) is okay, but hitting (behavior) is not.

When you discuss the meltdown may depend on your child and his/her age. He/she may need more time to calm down. That’s okay. You both need to be in a calm state of mind to talk through what happened and how you can help going forward.

Therapy for Kids in Canonsburg, PA

Meltdowns are not tantrums and should not be ignored like you may be inclined to do in a tantrum. Meltdowns are big feelings and you can help your child by remaining calm and being there for support.

If your child is experiencing big emotions and you’re unsure about how to help him/her, therapy can help. We believe in a strong sense of safety and connection when working with kids. We strive to create a safe environment where you and your child will feel both comforted and supported.

If you have any questions or would like to get to know us a little better, please call (724) 503-6670 or email us at admin@inthenowcounseling.org.

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