10 Steps to Surviving a Toddler Meltdown

2 years and 4 months can be a tricky age. I know from recent experience with my very own youngest child. He is as sweet as sugar one minute and hysterical that he cannot have a chewable vitamin the next. He was the inspiration for this recent topic. He has given me MANY opportunities lately to practice my Love and Logic skills. I thought I would share a few techniques that have been getting me through the tough days!

1. Stay calm and try to remember one empathetic statement in a soft and non-irritated voice "I know it is hard, you really want another vitamin don't you?"
2. Use feeling words to try to identify how they are feeling. "You are feeling frustrated."
3. Use body language that reflects that you can handle the situation. Try to avoid eye rolling, throwing your hands up in frustration, raising your voice.
   
4. Redirect your child to a self-calming item or activity.
   
5. Offer your child some choices that might help them feel better such as, reading a favorite book, snuggling with a stuffed animal, listening to a favorite song, or getting a hug from you.
6. If your child does not respond to self-calming choices, you may need to sing the "Uh-Oh" song and let them make that choice on their own in their recovery time.
   
7. You might say, "I can tell you need some time on your own to feel better. I will come see if you are feeling better soon." Offer the choice of door open or shut, light on or off, and comfort object and calmly leave the scene for a few minutes.
   
8. Enjoy a few moments to yourself to take a few deep breathes and maybe sneak a bit of chocolate-I admit, it really does help my stress level!
9. When your child is calm, enter the room and give them a hug. Tell them you are glad they are feeling better. Try not to lecture on the previous misbehavior.
   
10. Enjoy some quality time together before the next meltdown!

Thanks for reading!