One of the things most parents run into, sooner or later, is a child who has lost control of their emotional state, and is so upset that they cannot pull themselves together.
Some people call this a meltdown.
I’ve seen more than my fair share – after all, I have 2 autistic kids, and even typical kids have meltdowns, but mine have a few extra challenges stacked against them.
And let’s be real – sometimes it’s the adults having a meltdown, not the kids.
A while back, I started putting together a little kit of things to use to help when they happen, because in the heat of the moment, it’s sometimes hard to think of all the things we’re supposed to do. And I figure I’ll share it with you, because you probably run into the same sorts of situations from time to time.
First, one good way to calm down is to breathe. Maybe it’s just my kids and their formerly trached selves, but breathing on demand is *hard* for them. Even more so when they’re out of sorts. You need to make those deep cleansing breaths more interesting. Try bubbles, a pinwheel, or (for use under close supervision), blowing out candles over and over. All of these are favorites at our house, but candles are a big deal – very motivating.
Another good thing to try is calming music. Put a CD in your kit, or make a playlist on your favorite music service online.
We use Reiki a lot for overwrought kids. I Reiki myself when I’m upset, and for older kids who have had a Reiki I attunement, being able to self-Reiki will be a great way to help them gain control of their emotions.
Another frequent choice at our house is flower essences. Bach’s Rescue Remedy comes in an alcohol free kids version (if you’re really worried about the 4 drops you’re going to give them), and pastilles, which are sort of like candy. I work almost exclusively these days with essences from Nature’s Remedies (and carry them in my shop), and we use their crisis blend, peace blend, or anxiety blend, depending on the situation. I have considered putting these in a bit of honey in a section of plastic straw and carry in your bag or pocket.
Stones can help ground out the energy of a meltdown too – I have a pair of baseball-sized bloodstone spheres that I use for this purpose when doing Reiki or other healing sessions, and as long as you keep your child from throwing them, they work well for helping them calm down too.
“Calm Down Jars” as they’re called on pinterest can help too – those jars or bottles with glitter and water. Shake them up, set them down, and sit down and watch the glitter fall back to the bottom, like snow falling in a snow globe. The mind follows the glitter, and settles down too.
Other things you might want in your kit include herbs, biofeedback tools (like Touch Points), essential oils, a cuddly stuffed animal, bean bags to throw, or a weighted blanket or lap pad.
Finally, make a list of the tools, or put each on a card and put a ring through them all so that it’s easy to remember what the options are. Now, put all your items in a box or basket (or even a real tool box or tackle box) and label it, so you’re ready to pull it out when you need it!
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