Does your child have meltdowns?
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, grandparent, or just someone who spends time with children, you’ve probably experienced those moments where everything goes from calm to chaos in seconds. Maybe it’s the before-school rush or that magical moment when a sibling squabble erupts. Sound familiar?
When my kids were younger, I lived the chaos you’re probably experiencing now. In fact, check out this picture of them right before heading to school — clearly not thrilled. If you can relate to those “we’re running late, and everyone’s in meltdown mode” mornings, trust me, I’ve been there!
Mastering the Art of Redirection
Here’s the thing: whether they’re toddlers with boundless energy or older kids who just woke up on the wrong side of the bed, redirection is a game changer.
1. The Power of Play
When screen time negotiations start, I used to pull out this move: “Hey, want to race to see who can hop like a bunny to the living room first?” Whether they were 3 or 8, suddenly, YouTube was forgotten, and we were all hopping like pros.
2. Silly Switcheroo
Back in the day, when one of my kids was on the verge of a meltdown (like in that picture), I’d start doing silly dance moves or break into an off-key song. No one can stay upset when I’m pulling out my best Beyoncé… or (not going to lie) trying to.
3. Give Them a ‘Job’
My secret weapon: give them a task. “Can you be my special helper and collect all the red blocks?” Believe me, it worked wonders when they were little. And let’s be real, even older kids sometimes love being the “helper” when it means avoiding chores.
4. The Magic of Choices
Offering two equally fun (and safe) options works at almost any age. “Would you rather brush your teeth with the dinosaur or the unicorn toothbrush?” worked back then. “Would you rather do homework now or after a snack?” still works now.
5. Create Calm
Sometimes, the best redirection is just a calm touch or a quiet hug. It can take a wild mood and turn it into something peaceful. It’s like magic — ok… well, on a good day at least.
Why Redirection Works
Redirection isn’t about constantly saying “no” — it’s about channeling that energy into something productive or, at the very least, less destructive. Whether you’re wrangling a toddler or trying to reason with a tween, these tips can help save the day (or your sanity).
Book a Free Session
Book a free 30-minute Zoom session with me to see how I can support you in this wild parenting journey. I’ve been there — still there — and here to help.
How Do You Handle Meltdowns?
Tell me in the comments below and let's continue the conversation. Maybe you can help another parent with your tip on how to handle meltdowns!
Smiling through the chaos,
Dr. Renea
P.S. For more parenting hacks and tips, follow me on social media HERE and check back each Tuesday for fresh content related to parenting.
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