If you’re a parent, no doubt you’ve endured a meltdown or two. Kristen is mom to a young son with Down’s Syndrome and has dealt with her fair share of them.
“Meltdowns transform my son into a child I barely recognize … I can’t count the number of times I’ve headed to the bathroom for a good cry after going through a meltdown with my son.”
So she’s devised four tips to help parents cope when they and their child experience something similar.
1. Don’t Take It Personally
Going through a meltdown with your child can feel like as assault on you personally. But keep this in mind: “Your child isn’t lashing out at you,” writes Kristen. “He’s lost control and you’re the closest target. Remember, your child’s aggression and anger is about his inability to deal with the situation, not about you.”
2. This Too Shall Pass
Though meltdowns feel like they are going to last forever, the reality is that they do not.
” Eventually your child is going to run out of energy, since meltdowns are just as exhausting for your child as they are for you.”
Remembering that the end is near may help you cope when a meltdown starts.
3. Take Care of Yourself
As any caregiving situation requires, maintaining your health is essential. While this is often a tough one for people in caregiving roles, it’s important. “Investing in yourself helps you ensure that you’re equipped to give your child with disabilities the care he needs,” shares Kristen.
4. Ask For Help
Parents and caregivers to children with disabilities often feel they have to do this alone. But that’s not true. Kristen advises reaching out to family and friends who might be able to offer some help. Or even think about professional assistance. “Consider a home care aide who can help you with daily personal care tasks that take up a lot of your time and leave you struggling to hold on when meltdowns occur.”
Hopefully the next time you have to endure a meltdown, these tips will help you get through it.
Be sure to share this post with others so they can benefit as well.