How to manage your child’s melt down

Frustrated by the tantrums or melt downs?

Keep in mind that this too shall pass — take a breathe. If your child is having a tantrum or melt down, know that it’s his or her way of learning to self-regulate. Self-regulation takes place in the frontal lobe of the brain which isn’t fully developed until about the age 25! So it’s important to let your child learn how to do this. Let your child have his/her fit because eventually it will pass. It’s also important to keep your cool during this time, so be mindful of not over-engaging while he/she get through it (making sure the child is out of harms way). Yelling or even talking to your child during a tantrum could be counter effective because chances are he or she is past the point of listening/reasoning. If that feels too difficult and you want to assure your child you are with him/her, you could say something like, "I see you are really upset, once you’re ready to talk to me in a calm voice, I’ll be happy to listen."