Ep. 84 – Tantrums and Meltdowns
In Episode 84 of the “Empowering Choices” podcast, titled “Tantrums and Meltdowns,” hosts Joshua, Lucas, and Erik delve into the challenging world of child tantrums and the strategies parents can employ to manage them effectively. Joshua kicks off the episode by sharing personal anecdotes about his toddler’s reactions to everyday situations, like changing the TV channel or mealtime choices, which now trigger meltdowns. “Now there could be something. And that change of what’s on TV could become a tantrum or a meltdown,” Joshua explains, highlighting the sudden intensity of these episodes. The trio discusses various techniques to handle tantrums, emphasizing the importance of consistency and understanding the underlying reasons behind a child’s outburst. Erik offers insights into the nature of tantrums, describing them as a child’s method of trying to gain power or control within a situation. “A tantrum is, a child’s way of trying to gain the power in the situation to get what they want,” he notes, adding that the goal for parents is to teach children how to express their needs and desires appropriately. One significant strategy discussed is the use of timeouts, which Erik identifies as a useful tool for managing behavior. However, he also suggests that the term can be triggering for children and recommends softer language like “just have a seat” to ease the child into the process. This approach helps in deescalating the situation without escalating the emotional tension. The hosts also explore the psychological aspects of tantrums, noting that children’s thinking, especially in their early years, is highly emotional and not based on logic. This transition in cognitive processing—from emotional to more logical reasoning—continues into young adulthood, influencing how children and later adults react to situations. Erik points out, “If the environment doesn’t express its emotions, if the parents don’t know how to state emotion…you’re going to have a really hard time getting to where that article said is good.” To wrap up the episode, the team stresses the importance of knowing your child as the most effective tool in managing tantrums. By engaging with children across various situations, parents can better understand their child’s needs and how to respond appropriately. Erik encapsulates this approach by stating, “Do things with your kids, do things with your kids because you’re going to get to know them in a variety of different situations and circumstances, and you get to know who they are.” This deep understanding, according to the hosts, is crucial for navigating the challenges of parenting through tantrums and meltdowns effectively.
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