Works For Me Wednesday - Diffusing A Child’s Meltdowns May 13, 2008
Every child has their meltdowns. Although The Bean has an easy-going personality, she definitely has her fits. I think that the “NO” to everything stage that usually hits in the terrible twos has waited until her recent 3rd birthday to arrive. She is certainly more tempermental and vocal in her preferences than in the past.
When she starts getting herself worked up about anything from not wanting to taste her bite of chicken at supper, to not wanting to go to bed, to whatever, I try to get her attention before she’s too far gone. When she’s looking at me, I tell her to do what I do. While she’s watching, I take a deep breath in through my nose and out through my mouth. She generally will stop her escalating fit to imitate me! Then she wants me to do it again. Then she does it again until, and we take turns until she’s in a better place emotionally speaking.
Doing a little deep breathing is enough of a pause that, if I can get her to do it before she’s past the point of no return, it resets her mood. She ends up smiling and more willing to take that bite of chicken! In addition to actually diffusing a meltdown, I love that it’s teaching her to take control of her moods and emotions before they get out of control. It definitely Works For Me!
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I do this! Teaching my daughter to take a deep breath has helped many, many times. :)
I just started using a little deep breathing for the girls. If nothing else it changes the moment. I think every mom needs about 100 tools in their toolbelt to deal with 3 year olds!
I wish that this tip would work on my husband. :)
Oh yeah…I just started doing this with my 2yr old…on top of it being a pretty good tool (especially if he is not too far ‘into’ a fit) it is pretty funny to see him imitate me.
Thanks!
I’ve done this with my daughter (whose fit-throwing phase definitely peaked when she was three). She required a little coaching, though, since she would get hysterical. Me: “Okay, breathe in through your nose. Now exhale!” It was like teaching a yoga class to a fire engine with its siren blaring. And I have seen the results; two years later, she is definitely better at controlling her own emotions.
My 5 year-old has recently started another phase of fit-throwing. Maybe I’ll try this with her!
I’ve been thinking of you this week, praying that your survey wasn’t too stressful. Hope you’re done and get to rest and relax this weekend!
oh yes…this works well for Sugar Bear as well. :) great tip.