The difference between a tantrum and a meltdown is discussed, and the different approaches to interventions for both are demonstrated.
Tantrum Vs Meltdown
It is really important to understand the difference between a Tantrum and a Meltdown
It may appear that the brain functions similarly when emotions are high however; there is a difference in how it functions during a tantrum and during a meltdown
Although they can look very similar the treatment for both is very different
Tantrum
A tantrum is an outburst that happens when a child is trying to get something they want or need
It is a deliberate response to frustration
It is a learned behaviour
The frontal lobe of the brain is being used which is responsible for reasoning
The child has the ability to choose to tantrum or to not
Recovery can be instantaneous
Meltdown
A meltdown occurs when a child feels overwhelmed by their feelings or surrounding
Coping skills do not work as there is no cognitive recall. This is because the frontal lobe of the brain is not working
The child acts or reacts without thinking and is in a fight or flight state of mind
The nervous system is out of control and it shuts down the ability to function
Recovery is slow
Tantrum: Intervention
Most young children have tantrums but once they master and expand their communication skills repertoire the tantrums fade away.
The best way to deal with a tantrum is to ignore it.
Once the child calms encourage them to communicate appropriately using words, basic symbols, sign language or gesture.
Reward the child for appropriate asking by giving the child what they are asking for.
Meltdown: Intervention
Meltdowns occur because the child is overwhelmed by an information overload.
The ultimate goal is to reduce the amount of information that is coming at the child.
Help the child to find a quiet space to self-regulate. A calm environment allows the child’s brain to process the sensory information that they are receiving.
It is important that the parent/guardian provides a reassuring presence.
