How do you help your child manage a meltdown

Question

Witnessed a 5yo child meltdown in the train. Screaming loudly and ran to the tail cabin of the train, the dad soon caught up but it was their station, he alighted at first but came back in, the screaming continues, the dad didnt manage him, but later I saw him slapping hos child. Of coz he scream even louder.How will you help your child manage?Read a good article, thot of sharinghttps://www-understood-org.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.understood.org/en/learning-thinking-differences/child-learning-disabilities/sensory-processing-issues/the-difference-between-tantrums-and-meltdowns?amp_js_v=a3&amp_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQFKAGwASA%3D#aoh=15825399769665&csi=1&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.understood.org%2Fen%2Flearning-thinking-differences%2Fchild-learning-disabilities%2Fsensory-processing-issues%2Fthe-difference-between-tantrums-and-meltdowns

Cherlyn · Accepted Answer

Thanks for sharing! Managing a meltdown involves understanding the child’s personality and way of thinking. During a meltdown, the child cannot handle anymore overwhelming information, including scoldings or being told that they are naughty, etc. They just shut down. Physical punishment usually makes things worse. For my daughter, during a meltdown, she needs comfort and acknowledgement first. Then she needs a distraction. Something that makes her smile or laugh usually works best. Then I move on to a question for her to answer, related to the trigger for the meltdown, helping her to verbalise her feelings regarding the situation. Lastly, when she’s calm, then I explain to her how the way she responded (melting down) could be different ie. What she can do instead. She’s usually receptive to what I have to say by then. There’s no reward for her, no punishment, and I didn’t give in. But the meltdown stops quickly, and she learns how to cope with big feelings. So it’s a win-win for all:)