Tantrums and meltdowns
Tantrums and meltdowns can be stressful and hard to understand. Learn more about why they happen, how to respond, and what can prevent them.
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Tips and strategies
- Quick tipPractice deep breathing.
Use meditation apps for kids to help “quiet the mind.” Doing mindfulness exercises before bed — or even taking a few deep breaths — can help kids wind down at night.
- Quick tipKeep track of triggers.
Make a note of when tantrums happen. It might be at bedtime, while doing homework, or when kids are hungry. Over time you may see patterns that help you predict (and prevent) future tantrums.
- Quick tipResist the temptation to give in.
Be calm and try not to cave. Acknowledge what kids want, but don’t try to reason with them when they’re upset. Wait at least an hour before talking about the tantrum.
More techniques and tools
All articles
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- 5 tips for taking a mutual time-out with your child
- Why some kids fall apart after school
- Tantrums over gifts: Why they happen and what to do
- 7 tips to help your child self-soothe
- My son behaves at school but melts down at home — I found out why
- Why do kids misbehave?
- Preventing meltdowns before they happen: A classroom guide
- Taming tantrums vs. managing meltdowns
- 4 ways to project calm in heated moments with your child
- When older kids still have tantrums: What to know
- Why kids act out
- How to manage meltdowns in your tween
- The difference between tantrums and meltdowns