The Therapy Edit On 5 ways to stay calm when your child isn't
Jul 25, 2022
Navigating the storm of a child's meltdown is tough, but staying calm is key. Embrace the mantra 'a good child having a hard time' to cultivate compassion. Breathing exercises and sensory tools can help ground both parent and child. Remember, this too shall pass; visual cues can be your lifeline. Keep communication simple, using just a few reassuring words. Finally, prioritize your own rest to remain a strong anchor for your child during those turbulent moments.
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Personal Meltdowns And Parenting Storms
- Anna Mathur describes her five-year-old's frequent, sudden meltdowns due to sensory processing and emotional regulation challenges.
- She uses this personal example to show why parenting requires walking toward a child's emotional storm rather than away.
Conflict Between Instinct And Parental Role
- Parenting calls us to walk towards the chaos while our nervous systems want to flee, creating a conflicted response.
- Recognising that tension explains why staying calm during a child's meltdown is so difficult.
Use The 'Good Child Having A Hard Time' Mantra
- Remind yourself your child is a good child having a hard time to cultivate compassion and reduce blame.
- Use the same mantra for yourself: you're a good person having a hard time to avoid self-judgement.