Managing Toddler Meltdowns with the Ngala Parenting Line

As a parent, you are blessed with many happy and joyful moments that you will cherish forever. However, parenting is not always a bed of roses. One of the challenges faced by parents is managing toddler meltdowns. No matter how hard you try, toddlers can be unpredictable and throw tantrums that leave you feeling helpless and frustrated.

Thankfully, the Ngala Parenting Line is here to help. Ngala is a Perth-based parenting support service that has been helping parents since 1890. They offer various resources, including workshops, webinars, and one-on-one consultations. In this article, we will explore some strategies for managing toddler meltdowns using the Ngala Parenting Line.

Firstly, it is important to understand that toddler meltdowns are a normal part of development. Toddlers can become overwhelmed by their emotions, and they do not yet have the skills to manage them effectively. When a toddler has a meltdown, it is not a reflection of your parenting skills. However, you can help your child and yourself by learning how to respond to these situations.

The first step is to remain calm. When your child is having a meltdown, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and frustrated. However, responding with anger or frustration is unlikely to help the situation. Take a deep breath, and remember that your child is still learning how to manage their emotions.

The next step is to empathize with your child. Try to see things from their perspective. For example, if your child is upset because they cannot have a cookie before dinner, acknowledge that they are feeling disappointed. You can say something like, “I understand that you want a cookie, but we need to eat dinner first.”

Ngala recommends using a technique called “emotion coaching”. This involves acknowledging your child’s emotions and helping them to label them. For example, you can say something like, “You seem really frustrated right now because you cannot have a cookie.” By helping your child to label their emotions, you can help them to develop emotional intelligence and self-regulation skills.

Ngala also recommends setting clear boundaries and limits. For example, if your child is having a meltdown because they want to stay up past their bedtime, you can say something like, “We cannot stay up late tonight because we need to get enough sleep.” Setting boundaries helps your child to understand what is expected of them, and it can prevent meltdowns from occurring in the first place.

If you are struggling with managing toddler meltdowns, you can reach out to the Ngala Parenting Line. They offer free telephone support for parents and caregivers. You can speak to a trained professional who can offer guidance and support. They also offer a range of other resources, such as workshops and consultations.

In conclusion, managing toddler meltdowns can be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, it is possible to navigate through these situations. By remaining calm, empathizing with your child, and setting clear boundaries, you can help your child to develop emotional intelligence and self-regulation skills. If you need extra support, remember that the Ngala Parenting Line is here to help.