How to Deal With Emotional Meltdowns in Children

Also known as tantrums, emotional meltdowns are common for children between the ages of one through four. While these outbursts generally last between 30 seconds and a couple of minutes, some take much longer to subside. Tantrums are a completely natural part of growing up. Kids are learning and growing rapidly, and they get frustrated when their bodies and verbal capacities have not caught up with all that they want to do and say. In order to deal with emotional meltdowns in children, you will need to learn a few strategies and coping skills.

Instructions

    • 1

      Observe your child for early warning signs that a meltdown is on its way. Some of the signs include whining, excessive fidgeting, begging, and irritability or shutting down emotionally. Diffuse the meltdown before it begins by addressing the behavior clearly with a simple statement, "You are begging," and then quickly redirecting attention in a positive manner, with a statement like, "Come sit on daddy's lap and we'll read a story."

    • 2

      Stay calm if the situation is past the point of diffusing. Take a deep breath and realize that your child is emotionally overwhelmed and unable to be reached with logic at present. If you are in public, tune out the onlookers that are making you feel humiliated. Focus on being stable, as this is what your child needs while they feel out of control. Let the tantrum run its course. Your child will tire herself out or come back to reality in just a few moments or minutes.

    • 3

      Take your child to a quiet place after her meltdown. If your child is old enough to dialogue, ask her to tell you what made her mad, sad or frustrated right before the meltdown. Let her describe how she felt during the tantrum. Ask her to come up with some creative ways she can handle her feelings next time she gets upset, instead of having a tantrum. Enforce natural consequences if the situation requires it. Some common natural consequences may include drawing pictures as an apology to store clerks or friends that were inconvenienced by the outburst. Reinforce the relationship with a hug, and let your child know that you love her and are there for her.

    • 4

      Keep a journal in which you log the specific incidents that spur emotional meltdowns in your child. Recognize common triggers, so that you can avoid them in the future. If meltdowns tend to occur in the grocery store, realize that the environment may overwhelm your child's senses, and save your next shopping trip for when your spouse or a sitter can watch your child at home. If meltdowns occur right before or after school or play dates, look into possible peer conflicts that need to be addressed.

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