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Managing Meltdowns
FIX #4: Snuff out the emotion
Ask your child to imagine that there is a candle painted on her palm. Then have her hold her hand with her palm facing toward her face, and ask her to blow out the imaginary flame. Deep breathing settles out-of-control children. An alternative: Keep a balloon or two in your purse and ask her to blow them up.
FIX #5: Get punchy
If you’re at home during a meltdown, ask your child to punch a pillow, cushion, or another soft, safe object. Pillow fights, ripping up newspapers, or squeezing a ball can short-circuit a meltdown.
FIX #6: Press the right button
Have your child pretend that she is holding a remote control in her hand. Ask her to press the button that turns down her emotions.
FIX #7: Ask for help
If your child has frequent meltdowns that aren’t responsive to interventions, don’t wait until you are at your wit’s end. Work with an ADHD professional, to improve the chances of avoiding them.
More: Growing Up ADHD: The Early Years
BEEN THERE, DONE THAT?
Share your strategies (and find new ones) for controlling a meltdown with readers at additudemag.com/adhd-behavior-discipline.html.
TIP From Our Readers
“Let your child know you love her, just not her behavior. It’s important to make this distinction. I hug my daughter and hold her in my lap during a meltdown, reassuring her she is safe. Her anger often softens to manageable sobs while she’s in my embrace.”
—from ADDitude’s ADHD Community Forums
A version of this article appears in the Summer 2009 issue of ADDitude.
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