Insights from a Fellow Parent and Child Psychiatrist
I recently shared a short, light-hearted video on Instagram (do have a look if you're interested!), and it got me thinking about something we all experience as parents: meltdowns.
Those moments when our children are overwhelmed, emotions are running riot, and it feels like we're navigating a force ten gale. It's tough for everyone involved.
In the video, I don my goggles and swimming cap and then..... It's a bit of fun, but it's also a visual reminder of how we can sometimes feel during these intense moments – like we're being pulled under by the chaos. But here's the thing: just as panicking in a real storm makes things worse, the same is true for emotional storms.
What I want to explore here is the importance of staying grounded during your child's meltdown. Of course, this is often easier said than done. Our own emotions can easily become entangled in the whirlwind, particularly when we're already feeling depleted or under pressure. However, and this is crucial, our children le
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In the latest episode of the Huddle Wisdom Podcast, I tackle the overwhelming feelings many of us face when helping children or patients during a meltdown, or when coaching another adult or caregiver through similar situations.
Often, I'm asked what the solution is for handling meltdowns. If you're asking that question in the heat of the moment, it's probably too late. Addressing a meltdown with the sole goal of stopping it is rarely effective. A meltdown is a natural consequence of a buildup of tensions, frictions, and breakages that occurred beforehand. To truly 'prevent' a meltdown, you need to start early and also spend time afterwards critically analysing the factors that led to it, including the triggers, perpetuators, and quellers. I cover these topics in Episodes 114 and 115 of the Huddle Wisdom Podcast:
 - [EP114](https://www.huddlewisdom.com/podcasts/the-huddle-wisdom-podcast/episodes/2148896669)
- [EP115](https://www.huddlewisdom.com/podcasts/the-huddle-wisdom-podcast/episo...
So...It’s a typical Tuesday evening. You’ve just finished preparing dinner, and you call your teen to the table. Instead of the usual chatter, you’re met with a sullen silence. Your teen slumps into their chair, barely acknowledging your presence. You ask about their day, and the response is a curt, “Fine.” You try to engage them in conversation, but every attempt is met with eye rolls and monosyllabic answers.
Later, you remind them to finish their homework and tidy up their room. Suddenly, the calm breaks. “Why do you always nag me? I hate you!” they shout before storming off to their room, slamming the door behind them.
You’re left standing there, heart aching and mind racing. What just happened? Why does your teen seem to hate you?
If this scenario sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many parents experience these challenging moments with their teens. But before you take it personally, it’s important to understand what’s really going on. Let’s explore why your teen
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