Tantrums: They’re Not Just for Kids |
Let’s talk about meltdowns and temper tantrums. Arms flailing, feet stomping, the full body drop-to-the-ground moment. For toddlers, the image is all too familiar. For those of us who have older children, we take a sigh. But are tantrums just for toddlers? No, they aren’t. The tantrum meltdown isn’t just for kids. It’s also an experience many teens, young adults, and adults experience on the regular. They just look a little different now. Let me explain.
If you have a child in elementary, middle, or even high school, you’re still seeing meltdowns. They’ve upgraded from floor-kicking to eye-rolling, door-closing, and “I can’t even” vibes. But the root cause? Pretty much the same. At any age, meltdowns happen when our goals or intentions get blocked, and we can’t find the words to explain what we want or what feels wrong. And honestly? Adults do this, too. Sure, we might not flop on the floor, but mentally, we are thrashing, but only with words or facial expressions instead.
What can we do when our kids, teens, or young adults hit that figurative wall because of emotional, physical, or social overwhelm?
For younger children, their meltdowns can be redirected. Don’t join the tone, the volume, or the intensity. In fact, you want to “see-saw” your emotions and your response to your child’s. That is, if your child is........