When your child is having an ADHD meltdown, it can be a scary and frustrating experience for both of you. Meltdowns can be unpredictable and intense, making it hard to know how to handle the situation. In this blog post, we will provide tips for parents on how to deal with ADHD meltdown. Stay calm and remember that you are not alone!
What Is An ADHD Meltdown?
According to a study by the National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD meltdowns are “a period of intense negative emotionality and impulsivity.” Meltdowns can be triggered by a variety of things, such as feeling overwhelmed or frustrated. During a meltdown, your child may feel out of control and may lash out in anger or frustration.
There are four main causes of ADHD meltdowns:
1. External trigger, such as a change in routine or a stressful event.
2. Internal trigger, such as hunger or fatigue.
3. Combination of both external and internal triggers.
4. Occurs without any apparent trigger.
What Is The Difference Between ADHD Meltdown And Tantrum?
An ADHD meltdown is a term used to describe an intense emotional outburst. It is different from a tantrum, which is typically a more minor display of anger or frustration. Meltdowns can be unpredictable and intense, making it hard to know how to handle the situation. Read on as we will provide on how to deal with ADHD meltdowns.
The Signs That Your Child Is Having An ADHD Meltdown
There are several signs that your child may be having a meltdown, such as:
- Becoming extremely agitated or irritable: Your child may become agitated or irritable to the point where they cannot be consoled. This may look like your child is “losing it” or “going crazy.”
- Displaying signs of rage: Your child may scream, shout, or cry uncontrollably. They may also lash out physically, such as hitting, kicking, or biting.
- Experiencing a sudden change in mood: Your child’s mood may go from happy to angry or sad very quickly. This may be accompanied by a change in facial expressions, such as looking panicked or distraught.
- Loss of control over their emotions: Your child may feel like they are not in control of their emotions and may feel overwhelmed. This can lead to further emotional outbursts.
- Acting out in an aggressive or destructive manner: Your child may lash out at people or objects around them.
- Difficulty communicating what they are feeling: Your child may have trouble putting their feelings into words. They may also become non-verbal during an ADHD meltdown.
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to stay calm and try to help your child regain control.
How To Help Your Child Calm Down During Or After A Meltdown?
If your child is having a meltdown, it is important to stay calm. This can be difficult, but try to remain as calm and collected as possible. Here are some tips for how to help your child calm down:
- Remove yourself and your child from the situation: If possible, try to remove yourself and your child from the situation that is causing the meltdown. This will help to reduce any further triggers.
- Identify your child’s feelings: Try to identify what your child is feeling. This can be difficult, but it will help you to understand what is causing the meltdown.
- Validate your child’s feelings: Once you have identified your child’s feelings, it is important to validate them. This means that you acknowledge that their feelings are valid and understandable.
- Provide support and reassurance: Let your child know that you are there for them and that they are not alone. Offer physical and emotional support as needed.
- Give your child time to calm down: Once your child has begun to calm down, give them time to fully recover. This may take a few minutes or longer.
What To Do If The Meltdown Occurs In Public?
If an ADHD meltdown occurs in public, it can be difficult to know how to handle the situation. Here are some tips:
- Try to remove yourself and your child from the situation: If possible, try to take a break from the situation that is causing the meltdown. This will help to reduce any further triggers.
- Identify a safe space: If you cannot remove yourself from the situation, try to identify a safe space for you and your child. This may be a quiet room or corner where you can sit down and calm down.
- Explain the situation to others: If people around you are not aware of what is happening, it may be helpful to explain the situation. This will help them to understand and be more understanding.
What To Do Afterwards?
Once your child has calmed down, it is important to debrief with them. This means that you talk about what happened and how they are feeling. This will help your child to understand their feelings and the situation.
“Learn how to speak effectively with your child using the Whisper Technique.”
It is also a good time to discuss any strategies for how to prevent or deal with future meltdowns.
Preventing Meltdowns From Happening In The First Place
There are a few things that you can do to help prevent meltdowns from happening in the first place.
Here are some tips:
- Identify triggers: Try to identify what situations or activities trigger your child’s meltdowns. This will help you to avoid or prepare for these situations.
- Develop a plan: Once you have identified your child’s triggers, develop a plan for how to deal with them. This may include strategies for avoiding or managing the trigger.
- Create a support network: It can be helpful to create a support network of people who understand and can help your child. This may include family, friends, or professionals.
Meltdowns can be difficult for both children and adults. However, there are things that you can do to help prevent or deal with them. By understanding what causes meltdowns and having a plan in place, you can help your child to manage their feelings and stay calm in difficult situations.
Do you have any tips for dealing with an ADHD meltdown? Share them in the comments below!
If you found this article helpful, please share it with others! ADHD meltdown can be difficult to deal with, but you are not alone. There are many people who understand and can help by sharing this article, you can help others to find the support they need. Thank you!
