Feeling overwhelmed when your child has a meltdown is completely normal! But there are ways to navigate these situations calmly and effectively. My ACW model for meltdown management will introduce you to THREE easy steps
 

A - Accept it!

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Accepting a meltdown is crucial for managing it effectively. Here's what this means:

• Acknowledge the situation: Recognize your child is dysregulated (overwhelmed) and experiencing a meltdown.

• Release blame: Don't blame yourself or your child. Meltdowns are a natural response for some children when they reach their limit.

• Let go of expectations: Don't try to force the situation back to normal. Focus on creating a safe space for your child to express their emotions.

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By accepting the meltdown, you can stay calm and offer support, which helps your child feel secure and eventually regulate their emotions.

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C - Calm

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Staying calm is essential for helping your child during a meltdown. Here's how to maintain composure:

• Deep breathing: Focus on slowing your breaths. This will naturally lower your heart rate and help you feel less stressed.

• Few words: Avoid overwhelming your child with instructions or questions.

• Physical presence: Be there for your child, even if it's just sitting nearby. Your calm presence offers a sense of security.

• Breaks are okay: If you feel overwhelmed, take a short break to calm down before returning. It's better to come back calm than escalate the situation.

Remember, your calmness helps set the tone for the situation. By staying calm, you create a safe space for your child to calm down as well.

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W - Work it out

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Working it out involves addressing the meltdown constructively, but not during the meltdown itself. Here's how to approach it later:

• Timing is key: Wait until your child is calm and receptive to talk. This could be later that day or even the next day.

• Open communication: Start a conversation, not an interrogation. Use "I" statements like "I noticed you were feeling frustrated earlier."

• Open-ended questions: Ask questions that encourage your child to express their feelings. For example, "What can I do to help you feel better next time you get upset?"

• Find solutions together: Work as a team to develop strategies to help your child manage their emotions better in the future.

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By working it out later, you can help your child understand the situation and develop coping mechanisms for future meltdowns.

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