How to Tell a Tantrum From a Meltdown
Your child is upset and frustrated, and seems to be acting out. Are you seeing a tantrum or a meltdown? Lots of people use these words interchangeably. But even though they may look similar, tantrums and meltdowns are different. And how you handle them depends on which it is.
Here’s how to tell the difference between a tantrum and meltdown.
Tantrum | Meltdown | |
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What it is |
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What triggers it |
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Signs you may notice | You know what your child wants or is reacting to. Kids having tantrums may also:
| You may not know what your child wants or is reacting to. Kids having meltdowns may also:
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Knowing your child’s triggers can help you avoid or defuse a meltdown or tantrum. It also helps you be more empathetic and understanding.
Find ways to help kids deal with frustration and learn to cope. And read how one family got their parenting power back after years of mismanaging meltdowns.