
Assess the situation and acknowledge your child’s feelingsĪssess what is going on and what is triggering your child’s meltdown. Talking loudly or shouting will only add to the problem and not help you de-escalate the situation. Be just loud enough that your child can hear you. One way you can do this is by keeping your voice level low. When we are anxious, our breaths tend to be shallow, which causes even more problems.īecause your child is in sensory overload, don’t add to that overwhelm. To counteract it, take a few deep breaths to calm your nerves and ensure your brain and body are getting the oxygen needed. Take a deep breath and keep your voice level lowĪ meltdown will increase your own anxiety. Here are five ways you can stay calm during your child’s meltdown: 1. I know too that some parents keep “ meltdown kits” of favorite items nearby that can help calm their child. Knowing that I have a plan in my head for when they occur really helps. As part of my parent training with her, we’ve talked about his meltdowns, what happened and how I can help him better in the future. So how can you keep your cool during your child’s meltdown? I have found it helpful to talk through meltdowns with my son’s behavior therapist to have a plan in place for when it happens. It’s easy to do though, and we’ve all been there. You cannot help your child if you too are in a panic. Yet, staying calm during that situation is what your child needs. You can feel judged by others as you are trying to help your child. When it happens in public, it is even worse because it also can be embarrassing. It is distressing to see our children go through something that is so traumatic in the moment. This results in a physical outburst that could include crying, screaming, kicking, thrashing, hitting and/or biting.Īs parents, we too are human.

It could be triggered by any number of factors such as loud noises, strong smells, bright lights, unexpected changes in routine, or the loss of a favorite toy or item.

He is having a meltdown.Ī meltdown usually happens due to sensory overwhelm. He is not throwing a tantrum because he isn’t getting what he wants. One thing that I remind myself when my son J has a meltdown is that they are involuntary. But how do you do that during such an emotional situation? Read on for five ways to stay calm during your child’s meltdown. To better help your child through a meltdown, it’s important for you to stay calm. They are difficult, and they can send your own stress and anxiety levels sky high as you try to assist your child. When you have a child with autism and ADHD, meltdowns are inevitable.
