Predict this and continue using gentle, simple language to guide them to their safe spot. Again, they may fight this new routine at first due to uncertainty about the consequences, which can cause a rise in their anxiety. The emphasis stays on allowing the body to experience the emotion and raising awareness – a “felt” sense of what it feels like when they are calming down.Įmphasize the importance of going to their safe spot. Use a neutral voice without vocal strain or judgment.
#The meltdown near me free
Speak in short phrases free from flowery language. Your child is in a mode of sensory overload where more input will push them deeper into the meltdown. Nor is it time to discuss the situation that triggered it. Now is not the time to share big ideas or theories about why the meltdown is happening.
Avoid raising your voice or making fast body movements, which could further aggravate the situation.
Try to stay calm and speak in a kind, even tone. Of course, this is no easy task when your child is upset, but if you spiral down into having a meltdown too, it will only make matters worse. They may fight this routine at first, as it may raise their anxiety, but over time it should become a reliable and comforting habit.įrom there, follow the four steps of The Meltdown Recipe:įirst, avoid getting sucked into the meltdown yourself. Instead, focus on helping your child get to their safe spot as quickly as possible. When a meltdown begins to happen, don’t focus on the specific trigger. Allow the child to access this spot whenever needed and plan for only one adult or caregiver to interact with them during the meltdown. To set the stage for success with this recipe, start by establishing a safe space your child can visit when they need calmness in their system. One of the therapists I mentored named it, “The Meltdown Recipe”. I’ve found that there are four important things you can do to manage meltdowns effectively and reduce their intensity and frequency over time. These meltdowns can be frustrating for parents, but it’s important to stay positive and take a calm and proactive approach to these emotionally-charged situations. Children with attention, sensory, and learning disabilities sometimes experience meltdowns when they are feeling anxiety and sensory overload.
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