Some people think that tantrums and meltdowns in kids are the same. It is important to know and understand, as a parent, each situation to be aware of how to respond in a helpful way.
TANTRUMS
What is a tantrum? It's common in children, and each tantrum results because of not getting what they want. They get frustrated when you don't respond to what they are 'saying' and throw a fit.
Many toddlers or even preschool aged kids may not have yet the proper language to express themselves or the self-control to keep emotions in order. Crying, yelling, or stomping their feet could mean anger. The child feels he deserved or need something that is being taken from him - like a chocolate, a toy or celfone video. The child becomes overwhelmed by the feeling of injustice treatment.
How to deal with tantrums?
DON'T yell or hit them. This will only add on to their frustrations.
DON'T beg, bribe or give in. Giving in means you are rewarding the tantrum and the child may think you will give in if he throws a fit. So it will continue to happen again and again.
One way many parents use is that a tantrum would subside if no one is paying attention to it.
MELTDOWN
Sometimes, a tantrum goes out of control and turns into a meltdown. A child may lose control completely with his emotions, and the behavior only stops when he becomes worn out or when a parent is able to calm him down.
A meltdown is a reaction to feeling overwhelmed. It’s usually not something people can control.
Lots of situations can trigger meltdowns, it depends on the person. For many kids and adults, meltdowns happen when they get too much information through senses. The brain becomes too stimulated and gets overwhelmed trying to process it all. This is called sensory overload.
Meltdowns may end in two ways.
By changing or reducing the amount of sensory input.
By just getting worn out. Some people may fall asleep. Others retreat inward and are unresponsive to people around them as the nervous system resets.
Indeed, tantrums and meltdowns are among the biggest challenges of parenting. They are not a sign of bad parenting though. While they maybe hard to respond to, it is part of growing up and is essential for learning and development.