Ever found yourself wondering about the difference between a temper and a tantrum? Both can appear similar, but are actually different. Let us break down the actual difference between them so that you can respond patiently and with confidence.
What are tantrums?
Tantrums are anger outbursts that are usually observed in toddlers. When kids do not get what they want or when things might not go their way, a toddler would express their feelings by yelling, crying, or screaming out loud. As kids grow up, usually the tantrums fade out. However, they might still have emotional outbursts (especially teenagers) if things do not go as planned.
Tantrums are usually goal-driven. A child might look around to see if someone is noticing them and resume the tantrum when they are being noticed. Tantrums would also stop once the child realizes they would not be getting what they want.
What is a meltdown?
Meltdowns would be intense reactions to feeling overwhelmed or overburdened. It can be observed in both children and adults. Some triggers of meltdowns include transition to new phases in life (getting a new job, having a baby, etc), being extremely tired or hungry, relationship issues, and being overburdened with too many responsibilities. In children, meltdowns can occur if they feel overstressed or due to sensory overload. For instance, the first day of school or giving a major exam can be some reasons for meltdowns.
What is the difference between tantrums and meltdowns?
Tantrums are goal-oriented and occur when one does not get what they desire. Meltdowns, on the other hand, occur because the person is overwhelmed. Meltdowns are involuntary. Tantrums can be controlled to some extent; however, one may have little to no control over meltdowns. Meltdowns often require a recovery period, while tantrums typically end quickly once the situation is resolved.
How to manage tantrums?
Let us look at some ways to manage tantrums so that you can manage your child’s emotions better:
Reward your child’s good behaviour. Be specific in your praises as well. For instance, you can say, “I appreciate you sharing food with your sister.”
Offer them minor control over things. For instance, you can let them wear their favourite dress or have their favourite junk food once in a while.
Distract your kid when they are having a tantrum. For instance, you can start talking about school or their peers to distract them so that the tantrum does not get prolonged.
Be empathetic to your child. For instance, if your child is tired, they might not want to go shopping. You can do that at another time.
How to manage meltdowns?
Let us look at some tips to effectively manage meltdowns:
Adopt stress-reducing techniques like deep breathing exercises or indulging in hobbies.
Do not sweep negative feelings under the rug. If your child feels low, encourage them to talk about it.
Get professional help if needed. Child specialists can employ a variety of techniques to cope with stress and reduce anxiety.
Knowing whether your child is having a tantrum or a meltdown can help you manage the child’s emotions better. Responding with empathy and patience can create a huge difference.
