In It: How to tame tantrums and meltdowns with Dr. Andrew Kahn
Dec 20, 2023
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Dr. Andrew Kahn shares expert advice on handling tantrums and meltdowns in children who learn and think differently. He discusses the importance of practicing strategies ahead of time, teaching calming techniques, and connecting with upset individuals through effective communication. Learn about various calming techniques like meditation and deep breathing, along with insights from behavioral psychology on handling outbursts. The podcast emphasizes the significance of trying new parenting methods and being open to experimentation.
Differentiate tantrums from meltdowns to understand underlying intentions and control issues.
Practice mutual timeouts and calming techniques to manage and prevent escalation in challenging moments.
Deep dives
Understanding Tantrums and Meltdowns
Tantrums and meltdowns, especially challenging for families of children who learn and think differently, are discussed in this episode. The difference between tantrums and meltdowns is explained, highlighting that tantrums are intentional behaviors to achieve something, while meltdowns involve the child being out of control. It is emphasized that tantrums can lead to meltdowns and strategies are shared to manage and prevent escalation.
Projecting Calm and Mutual Timeouts
The importance of projecting calm as a parent during meltdowns or tantrums is highlighted as a key tip. The concept of mutual timeouts, different from traditional timeouts, involves pausing an interaction to allow everyone to calm down and engage in calming strategies. Parents are advised to practice mutual timeouts during calm moments to prepare for stressful situations.
Calming Techniques and Managing Behavioral Changes
Various calming techniques for parents and caregivers are suggested, including deep breathing, mantras, and isometrics to help maintain composure during challenging moments. Advice is given on handling the potential worsening of behaviors before they improve, known as an extinction burst, highlighting the importance of sticking to strategies for long-term behavioral change.
Tantrums and meltdowns are challenges all parents face. But for families of kids who learn and think differently, they can be even more of a struggle.
Listen as Dr. Andrew Kahn gives expert advice on how to deal with tantrums and meltdowns with our friends at the In It podcast. Learn how practicing strategies ahead of time can help you manage outbursts in the moment. And find out what calming techniques can help.
Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give
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