Sensory Meltdowns

So your child is in a meltdown what do you do now? I've had some amazing parents in my clinic over the years that were really good at co-regulating their toddler. Every child is different and has different needs. First step is to try and prevent the child from going into fight or flight in the first place by being aware of when he/ she is getting overstimulated or in sensory overload. Here are some tips to prevent overload: provide noise reducing head phones, provide sunglasses, provide a calm space, keep a routine, provide vestibular and proprioceptive input when needed and allow for movement.

Second, if your child is in meltdown it's best to reduce all demands at that time, make sure they are safe if they tend to bang their head or hit themselves, learn what works for your child, some like tight hugs and squeezes or to be rocked and soothed. Some little ones don't want to be touched, some may respond to certain words to a song or music to help calm them and some may need the lights off and a quiet space to calm down. Little ones can have a hard time regulating their emotions and may need your help. Be supportive, stay calm and be present. Just remember that they can not process during a meltdown, so giving instructions, teaching breathing techniques or other calming methods is not appropriate.

What's appropriate is modeling techniques and co-regulating at other times when they are calm and not in overwhelm. No one knows your child as well as you do!