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Navigating Your Child Through Big Emotions: Top Tips for Managing Tantrums and Meltdowns

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Navigating your child through big emotions can be challenging. Here are my top universal tips for handling those tantrums and meltdowns effectively.


💡 Get on Their Eye Level

Make eye contact with your child to show them that you are present and acknowledging their feelings. This simple act can make a huge difference, as it communicates empathy and understanding without the need for many words.

💡 To Speak or Not to Speak

Especially for younger children and those who are neurodiverse, excessive talking can be overwhelming when they're upset. Instead of trying to reason with them, use the "First and Then" strategy to redirect their behaviour. For example, say "First story, then blocks." This approach helps to reinforce positive behaviour without giving in to demands, which can otherwise encourage challenging behaviours.

Avoid giving attention to negative behaviour, whether positive or negative. This means pausing and using the "First and Then" technique or calmly reiterating your instructions. For instance, you might say, "We are finishing cartoons now because it's bedtime. We can watch cartoons tomorrow." Repeat the positive aspect to reinforce your message.

💡 Set Clear Expectations and Boundaries

Children as young as 12 months can begin to understand boundaries and expectations, such as not touching certain things or staying still during a diaper change. By making these expectations clear early on, you can spend more time reinforcing them rather than trying to teach in the heat of the moment.

One effective technique is "Whole Body Listening," which teaches children to use their entire body to show they are ready to learn and listen. Reinforce this skill by acknowledging and praising their efforts: "Thank you for using your listening ears."


Stay Connected with ROKIL

If you find these tips helpful, follow us on our socials @rokil.cic for more development support and parenting advice.

For personalized guidance, contact us at info@rokilcic.com to discuss our 1:1 consultation and parent coaching services.

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By integrating these strategies into your daily routine, you can help your child manage their emotions more effectively, leading to a more harmonious home environment. Stay patient, stay consistent and remember- you got this

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