One of the most frustrating things for any parent is facing a tantrum.
Tantrums can be difficult to handle, but they are typically short-lived and self-limiting. It is possible to learn to prevent a tantrum.
When you know how to recognize the signs that your child is about to have a tantrum, there are many strategies you can use before one happens to prevent or manage it.
This post will discuss eight strategies you can use to avoid a meltdown before it happens.
Before we get into strategies for avoiding a meltdown, let’s discuss the benefits of setting these strategies in place.
When a meltdown does not happen, both the child and parent experience the following benefits:
-The child feels better because they can healthily express their emotions.
– The parent feels better because they can help their child healthily regulate their emotions.
-Both the child and parent feel closer and more connected because the tantrum was avoided or managed.
Now let’s get into some tips!
Tip # One: Pay Attention To Your Child’s Cues
One of the best ways to prevent a meltdown is by paying attention to your child’s cues.
For example, seeing a tantrum coming will be easier when you notice your child is getting overstimulated, frustrated, or tired.
When we pay attention to our child’s cues and triggers, we will be able to see a meltdown on the horizon.
Making sure your child’s emotional and physical needs are being met regularly can help you get ahead of your child’s tantrums.
Some familiar emotional cues to watch for include:
– Yelling or crying for no reason
– Refusing to comply with requests or rules
– Having a difficult time self-soothing
– Extreme emotions such as sadness, anger, or frustration seem out of proportion to the situation.
Physical cues to watch for include:
– Clenched fists or jaw
– Sweating
– Tight muscles in the body.
Tip # Two: Distract Them With A New Activity Or Object
When your child is starting to melt down, one way to distract them is by offering them a new activity or object.
This can help take your chid’s minds off what’s disappointing them and give them a few moments of quiet time alone.
When a child is distracted and removed from a trigger, they will be more capable of learning to self-regulate.
Some ideas of new activities or objects to offer your child include:
-A new book
-A change in scenery
-A favorite toy that they haven’t played with within a while.
-Playdough or modeling clay
Tip # Three: Redirect Their Attention With A Task Or Request
If you can see that a meltdown is imminent, one way to try and redirect their attention is by giving them a task or request.
Doing so can help take their minds off what’s happening and provide them with something else to focus on.
It’s essential to make sure the task or request is manageable for the child not to feel more overwhelmed.
Some tasks or requests that might work include:
-Help you make dinner.
-Put away toys.
-Help you fold the laundry.
Tip # Four: Give Your Child Time To Cool Down
If a meltdown has already started, sometimes the best thing to do is give them time to cool down. This can mean removing your child from the situation or giving them some space to calm down on their own.
When a child can calm down and self-regulate, the tantrums will be shorter and shorter.
Some ideas for how to give your child time to cool down include:
– Putting them in a safe spot alone but in eyesight.
– Taking them outside for a walk or letting them play in the yard.
– Giving them a cold drink or ice popsicle.
Tip # five: Teach Them self-regulation Techniques
One of the best things you can do to help your child avoid meltdowns is to teach them self-regulation techniques.
When a child knows how to calm themselves down, they will be less likely to melt down in public.
Some self-regulation techniques that might work for your child include:
-Hugging someone or something.
-Pressing their thumb into their hand.
-Blowing on their thumb or counting to 100.
Tip # Six: Model Appropriate Emotional Behavior
Another way to help prevent meltdowns is by modeling appropriate emotional behavior yourself. For example, when a parent reacts calmly and appropriately to frustrating situations, it teaches their child how to do the same thing.
Of course, it’s not always fun or fair, but the behavior we model for our children is the behavior they will pick up.
Some tips for modeling appropriate emotional behavior include:
-Staying calm and coolheaded when frustrated.
-Using words to express how you feel instead of yelling or screaming.
-Giving yourself time to react before reacting emotionally.
Tip # Seven: Avoid Power Struggles
One of the best ways to stop a meltdown is by avoiding power struggles with your child. When a child feels like they should battle you for control, it can often lead to a breakdown.
So instead, try and be flexible with rules and requests so that your child doesn’t feel like they are constantly losing.
Some ideas for avoiding power struggles include:
-Allowing them some choice in what they wear or eat.
-Set clear expectations.
-Let your yes be your yes, and your no be your no.
-Avoid using threats or ultimatums.
Tip # Eight: Try To Stay Positive
When dealing with a child who has meltdowns, it’s essential to try and stay positive. This can be difficult when you’re stressed out yourself, but by remaining positive, you show your child that they are capable of overcoming these challenges. It’s also important to remember to praise your child for any progress they make, no matter how small.
Some tips for staying positive include:
-Taking a few deep breaths before reacting.
-Reminding yourself that this is just a phase and will eventually pass.
-Praising your child for any progress they make, no matter how small.
Tip # Nine: Remember your child is not perfect; they are human just like you.
Lastly, remember that your child is not perfect and will make mistakes. Unfortunately, when we expect our children to be perfect, it often leads to frustration and meltdowns when they inevitably do not meet our expectations.
Instead, try to be more forgiving and understand that everyone makes mistakes. This will help create a less stressful environment for both you and your child.
It is essential to teach your child how to self-regulate and get ahead of meltdowns for your sanity as a mom.
These tips have worked for me in the past, but please remember to find what works best for you and your family. Every child is different, after all!
If you’re having trouble with tantrums or meltdowns, I highly recommend seeking help from a professional. Many great therapists out there specialize in emotional regulation and can help you and your child get on the right track. Thanks for reading! 🙂
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- Why Consistent Parenting Matters
- 12 Habits of Immensely Peaceful Moms
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Hi there, I’m Jenna! I am a devoted mommy and wife. As well as an advocate for children and creating a peaceful atmosphere for those we love. I co-wrote Faith Actually: Living Life After Tragedy with my husband. I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies and currently working toward my Master’s in Positive Psychology. My number one desire is to create a peaceful home life for my family. My second desire is to share with you the tips I learn along the way!