• Tantrums and meltdowns can look similar but aren’t the same thing.

• They need to be responded to differently.

• Knowing why your child has tantrums or meltdowns can help you avoid them.

Try these tips to stop tantrums in their tracks.

1. Recognise the child's feelings/emotions

Share and discuss with the child what it looks like to you when you "get frustrated." Find out if the child has any requests for anything you should look out for. Create a signal that you may use to let your child know when they are getting frustrated, such as pointing or pulling your hand. When you utilize the signal, discuss how you and your colleagues plan to defuse the situation. Even if the child may be acting out, that doesn't imply that they aren't experiencing true emotions. Make an effort to understand your child's sentiments, and assist them in naming them. For instance: "I can tell you're upset with me because I asked you to stop playing with the book. When I have to stop doing something enjoyable, I become upset as well"

2. You need a calm corner/safe space

A specific peaceful zone should be found in your classroom. It might, for instance, just be a chair that the child enjoys sitting in. Inform them that this is a calm-down area, not a punishment area. When you give off the frustration signal, the child might go there to take a break. (At first, you might need to remind the child that there's a calm-down and safe spot.)

3. Know the triggers

It's possible that using a signal or travelling to a serene area won't always work. Try to identify the source of the meltdown if you can't stop it from happening. Knowing the origin makes it simpler to diffuse the situation at hand. Additionally, it aids you in coming up with better solutions for the next time.

4.  Set and clarify your expectations

Be specific about the behavior you expect from the child. Use when-then clauses to give your child the option of following through or not, such as "When you speak to me in a quieter voice, then we can talk this out." (Create a printable when-then chart to complete with the child)

5. Ignore it.

The best response is occasionally none at all. Perhaps the attention you offer when you try to calm your child's tantrum is the cause of it. It may be preferable under some circumstances to remain silent and not answer at all.

6. Praises: encourage the desired behaviour

Praise your child when they regain composure and are doing appropriately. Describe in detail what your child performed successfully. For instance, "I understand that it was difficult for you to control your frustration and stop yelling. You did well by giving yourself some time to calm down. Now that we may discuss this in peace(be sincere)

Ways to manage a meltdown

A full-body response to being overpowered is a meltdown. Children cannot control them, and they are more severe than tantrums.

Taming tantrums is easier than controlling meltdowns. Knowing the causes can prevent a complete explosion. There are methods to react even if you are unable to prevent a tantrum in order to support your child in regaining control.

Before:

1. Know your child’s triggers.

Every child experiences them differently, and the child could not be responding to something evident. It might be sensory or emotional overload for certain children. Others may experience pain and panic, or unanticipated changes. Understanding your child's triggers might help you prevent meltdowns.

You might notice that the child becomes agitated in the morning or loses it at the end of the day. Or perhaps temper tantrums occur right before or right before bed. Then, hunger or exhaustion might be triggers. You could also note that they frequently occur in busy or noisy environments.

2. Recognise when it starts to escalate.

If you recognize the warning signals in time, you might be able to soothe your kid before they have a full-blown meltdown. Common red flags include:

• difficulty making decisions, thinking effectively, or coming up with answers to questions

• constant repetition of QUESTIONS

• refusing to cooperate or adhere to instructions/prompts

• attempting to run away or hide, or trying to block off sounds, sights, and other sensory stimuli

• constantly moving restlessly, like fidgeting or pacing

• claiming to have physical discomfort, such as dizziness or heart palpitations

3. Distract, Redirect.

The escalation phase may be halted for some children. Distracting your child with a different chore or activity may be beneficial.

4. Patience is a virtue.

Your INSTINCT might be to act swiftly to stop an escalation. But speaking out loud a lot and quickly only makes things worse. More time and space should be provided for the child to comprehend what you are saying. Reduce your child's need to make decisions by using brief, precise language.

During:

1. SAFETY first

First thing to consider: Is anyone hurt or going to get hurt?

2. Comfort to reassure

To determine whether your child needs a firm hug or touch or physical distance, you must try first. But in either situation, maintaining composure in your voice and demeanor is beneficial. Make sure the child is aware of your presence and that you recognize how frightening and out of your control this situation may feel.

3. Child needs SPACE

Try to assist the child in finding a more peaceful location if you are in public. If you are at home, try to get your child to go somewhere quiet. Ask other people to allow you and your child some space if moving your child is not an option.

4. Your town, keep it calm and low

Reduce the brightness, maintain the peace, and avoid crowding your child. Try standing to the side if your child isn't able or willing to move when you're at home. (Standing at the doorway may cause children to feel confined.)

5. Time for post-meltdown plan.

Instead of doing something to trigger another meltdown, begin planning how to interact with your child once it has passed. The next time you discuss it, you can come up with a fresh tack.

After:

1. Recovery needs time

Your child might feel ashamed or guilty after calming down. You'll likely notice bodily fatigue as well. Allow your child some time to simply calm down.

2. Choose a suitable time to speak.

You can aid your child in understanding what transpired. Though it would not be ideal to do so immediately after a meltdown. Here are some strategies to use when both of you are composed:

• A heads-up. Inform your child in advance that you will speak with them and reassure them that nothing is wrong.

• Be concise. Kids may become defensive and feel awful when you discuss a meltdown. Say what needs to be said, but try to refrain from repeating yourself.

• Ensure that your child comprehends. Ask your child to reflect.  Ask your child to repeat your action plan for you if you have one.

To regulate outbursts and manage breakdowns, practice and consistency is necessary. If both you and your child learn to recognise the warning signs and assist your child in creating coping strategies, you may be able to react in the future more skillfully.