Expert Advice: 3 Things to Avoid During a Child's Meltdown

Parenting During Meltdowns: Expert Tips to Stay Calm and Support Your Child Parents often struggle with how to best respond when their child experiences a meltdown. A recent TikTok video by Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Amanda, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA (@bcba_amanda), offers three key strategies to help parents navigate these challenging moments more effectively. Amanda emphasizes the importance of avoiding unnecessary demands during a meltdown. "Telling your child to 'look at me' or 'come here' when they're already upset is not going to be productive," she explains. This approach can escalate the situation and create a power struggle. She also cautions against punishing a child's feelings. Statements like, "That's not a big deal," or "Don't be such a crybaby," are counterproductive. "It tells them they shouldn't be feeling this way and actually punishes them for having human emotions," Amanda points out. Finally, Amanda stresses the importance of parents staying calm and neutral during a crisis. "You can just stay quiet during these hard moments," she advises. Maintaining composure helps regulate the situation and provides a sense of stability for the child. Amanda's practical, evidence-based advice resonates with parents seeking effective strategies to manage meltdowns and foster a more supportive environment for their children. Her TikTok video has already garnered significant views and engagement, demonstrating the widespread need for such guidance.