Toddlers
<p><b>Is it a tantrum or meltdown?</b></p>
<p>What makes a tantrum different from a meltdown? When these behaviours occur, they may resemble one another. A meltdown, on the other hand, is not the same as a tantrum.</p>
<p><br /><b>What is a tantrum?</b><br />When a child has an uncontrollable outburst of rage and frustration, it’s known as a tantrum. Tantrums may include shouting, kicking, screaming, or throwing themselves to the ground.</p>
<p><br />For young children, temper tantrums are common. When toddlers and preschoolers fail to control their feelings, they sometimes throw dramatic tantrums. It's possible that their tantrums are an excuse to get what they want. Hunger, exhaustion, and not feeling well are all common causes of temper tantrums in children.</p>
<p>However, there are times that tantrums become problematic — or when they may be a sign of a deeper issue.</p>
<p>While most kids are likely to show any of these behaviours, tantrums with these behaviours on a regular basis may be cause for concern:</p>
<p><br />• Hitting other people.<br />• Self-inflicted injury.<br />• Head banging.<br />• Holding their breath.<br />• Hitting the wall.<br />• Biting themselves and others.</p>
<p><br />Tantrums should fade away with time as your child reaches maturity and develops new skills. Here are some of the most effective ways to deal with a tantrum:</p>
<p><br /><b>Don't pay attention to them.</b> When your kid realises that tantrums aren't a good way to get your attention, they can be inspired to find new ways to communicate.</p>
<p><br /><b>Pay heed to them.</b> When the tantrum is over, provide attention again.<br />Don't give in to their demands. Make sure you don't give in a temper tantrum. Otherwise, your child will learn that crying or screaming will get them what they want.</p>
<p><br /><b>Take your child out of the situation.</b> If your child is having a temper tantrum in a public space, you might want to take them outside for some quiet time.</p>
<p><br />Consistent discipline and proactive teaching of new skills to your child will help. Consult the paediatrician if you're concerned with your child's tantrums.</p>
<p><br /><b>What are meltdowns?</b><br />A meltdown is a natural reaction to being overburdened. It's usually something that people can control. It is a strong reaction to a difficult situation. It occurs when a person is totally overcome by their current situation and loses control of their actions for a brief period.</p>
<p><br />Overwhelmed emotions, nervous feelings, and system breakdowns are all signs of a meltdown. This lack of balance can be conveyed verbally (yelling, screaming, or crying), violently (hitting, lashing out, or biting), or both.</p>
<p><br /><b>How to deal with your child having a meltdown?</b><br />• Don't pass judgment on your child who is having a meltdown or isn't listening to you. Give them time to heal; knowledge or sensory deprivation will take a long time to recover from.<br />• Ask them if they're okay in a calm manner, but keep in mind that they'll take longer to answer.<br />• Make space: do your best to create a peaceful, secure environment. Try anything you can think of to minimise information overload: ask people not to stare, switch off loud music, dim the lighting.</p>
