What NOT to do during a meltdown

In my practice, I am often trying to teach and assist parents on how to deal with sensory meltdowns. Here are some tips of what NOT to do!

However, first it's important to understand the difference between a meltdown and a tantrum. A meltdown happens when a child is in fight or flight. They have experienced too much input and their system can not handle it anymore whether it has built up all day or simply a noisy, busy grocery store triggers the overload. Children can not process during a meltdown so it is not the opportunity to teach them how to cope or regulate, punish them or even talk to them. It is important to understand that it is not their fault but they are in overwhelm. It is our job as adults to stay calm, provide a safe space for them and know what helps to co-regulate them if need be.