Some of the common warning signs of a coming meltdown
- pacing back and forth
- increased self-stimulation behaviors
- freeze or stiff body movements
- focusing on that topic that affects him or her
- stuttering or heavy-breather speech
- some do become mute
How to subdue a meltdown?
- take a deep breath first (or a few) and remain calm.
- lower my body and speak at an eye level with my child.
- speak in short sentences. “I know you are upset.” “Okay.”
- slow down my speech.
- put my palm on my child’s heart/chest as I am speaking to them.
- let my child talk.
- listen.
- always assure my child that I know he or she is upset.
- use distractions that may distract them from what is upsetting them.
- use humor to get the child to smile or laugh.
- making funny noises or mimicking the characters, SpongeBob or Donald Duck
- continue to walk while holding his hand.
- mention that we're going to go to a favorite place
Rule of thumb
- never ask them what is wrong.
- never ask them not to cry.
- never shout at them.
- never pull them away aggressively
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