To approach a tantrum, acknowledge your child’s desires without giving in.“I understand that you want more fruit. Tantrums and meltdowns are different, but we suggest you use a similar approach to each. Meltdowns typically end in one of these ways: the child wears herself out, finds a quieter environment with less sensory information, or we respond differently to how we usually respond. A tantrum will usually stop when the child gets what he wants, changes his tactics, or when we respond differently to how we usually respond.Ī meltdown will usually continue even after she gets what she wants because, in many cases, the child does not even know what she wants. The main difference between tantrums and meltdowns is that tantrums have a purpose and meltdowns are the result of sensory overload. Differences between Tantrums and Meltdown Many experts think meltdowns are the result of the “fight or flight” response to danger. For these kids, something as simple as trying on new clothes for school or taking a major test can cause a meltdown. For some children, an amusement park can produce more sensory information, including sights, sounds and smells faster than a child can process it.įor other children, the prospect of making a large number of decisions can cause a meltdown. Meltdowns are usually a result of sensory overload, when there is just too much information for the child’s brain to process.
MeltdownsĪ child may have a meltdown if she feels overwhelmed. Tantrums typically stop when the child gets what he wants or realizes that he will not succeed by acting this way. He might stop long enough to make sure someone is watching then resume his tantrum once he is the center of attention. While his behavior seems inappropriate, a child has a tantrum for a reason and he has some control over it. A youngster might lash out when he does not get to play a game, for example, or may yell and scream when he wants attention. About Tantrums and MeltdownsĪ child may have a tantrum when he is trying to get something. Knowing the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown can help you respond in a supportive and meaningful way. This is particularly true for children with sensory processing issues, like those with autism, or who lack self-control. Meltdowns and tantrums can look alike at first glance, especially when your child is in the middle of one, but the two are actually very different. Tantrums and meltdowns are hard to understand, tough to prevent, and seemingly impossible to handle when they happen.
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