⚜In my field, kids have meltdowns frequently. What happens to kids during this stressful time? They lose complete control over their emotions for whatever reason they are faced with. The main thing to understand is kids are learning. They have not mastered the art of social skills. The art of controlling their emotions isn’t fully developed at this time.
Keep in mind, kids will have meltdown until junior high school. For kids with developmental disabilities, Autism, Aspergers Syndrome, etc, this can be a life time event. What can you do?
- Help the child identify why they are upset?
- Work with the child to calm down.
- Use calming words.
- Stay alert of your surroundings
- Maintain a safe but loving space so the kids doesn’t attack you or others.
- Keep a safe toy of item for the child, kids have favorite things that always calm them (blanket, toy, ipad).
- Call parents or family members who are the cool down person or favorite person for the child.
- Remind the child that they are not in trouble and have done nothing wrong.
- Keep warm eye contact.
- Chart, record the event, remember that triggered the meltdown and work on not letting the triggering action happen again.
- Draw, color or journal with the child why they were feeling the emotion & what can happen to improve it.
These are all restorative practices to help the child see the issue and find a path back to the cool zone. Remember! Practice makes perfect!
xoxo,
Lioness Stargazer 💞
4373 Fashion Lane 