Children don’t have the ability at the moment to solve problems independently. It can happen when they are stubborn and don’t like being told “no.” It also can happen when they’re tired or anxious.
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This can happen when they are uncomfortable or in pain. Once they get a desired response, the tantrum usually stops quickly.Ī tantrum can happen when your child is frustrated, or wants something, yet they don’t have the skills or words to tell an adult what they want. During a tantrum the child often looks to see if you are noticing or reacting. While tantrums and meltdowns look very similar, let’s take a look at the differences.Ī tantrum often has a goal, even if your child can’t recognize this or tell you what they want or need.
#Meltdown vs tantrum how to
Let’s look at how to be a detective, so you can then pick the best plan of action. This shows that appropriate communication is much more powerful and that they don’t need to engage in such behaviours to access what they want.Your child is screaming, crying, hitting and throwing things you're not sure of the best way to get them to stop.
![meltdown vs tantrum meltdown vs tantrum](https://www.aimsglobal.info/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/child-tantrum-1024x538.jpg)
For example as they pick up something to throw it across the room or on the floor, they glance up to see if you are looking.
![meltdown vs tantrum meltdown vs tantrum](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e3/68/52/e36852a7aae12c6c0742c46b137c17b6.jpg)
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They are likely looking directly at you and waiting for your reaction. However, when a child is tantruming, they are typically in control of their own behaviour and actions. Knowing and understanding this difference can help you to help your child!īoth tantrums and meltdowns can involve screaming, crying, running away and/or throwing toys. What is the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown? And what should I do?Īt first glance, tantrums and meltdowns look very alike, it can be extremely difficult to tell the difference between them.