Can Your Child “Feel” Their Meltdown Coming On?

Did you know there are a number of changes that happen to the body just before and during a meltdown?

Helping your child to understand what these changes are and what they “feel like” can help your child develop an awareness of when they are starting to feel overwhelmed AND they can use these signs as a trigger for practicing their calming techniques.

The signs may be different for each child, so part of helping your child understand their own physiological responses in the lead-up to a meltdown is an extremely powerful way to help your child feel a sense of control over their emotions.

One way you can do this, is to ask your child to think about the last time they felt very mad, sad, angry or frustrated and think about how their body “felt”. For example you might ask them:

1. Did your heart feel like it was beating fast?

2. Did your skin feel like it was hot?

3. Did you feel like you were sweaty?

4. Did you feel like your palms were clenched?

5. Did you feel like your teeth were clenched?

6. Did you feel like your shoulders were tense?

7. Was your head hurting?

8. Could you hear ringing in your ears (or did everything sound really loud?)

9. Did it feel like your skin was prickly or itchy?

10. Do you remember feeling anything else?

Explain to your child that when they feel any of the things above, it could be a sign that they might have a meltdown.

Let you child know that if they start to notice any of the “signs” that its their body telling them to try some calming techniques 😉

Let me know if you have a chance to chat to your child about the signs of meltdowns this week!

If you have the chance to try this technique out I’d love to hear how you go (comment at the bottom of this page or pop an email through to me dominique@ohbeehave.com.au)!

Before you go, make sure you scroll down to check out my FREEBIE to help you introduce CALMING TECHNIQUES to your little ones!