Managing ADHD meltdowns effectively is crucial for supporting children with ADHD, helping them lead happy, productive lives. For parents and caregivers, knowing how to respond to these intense situations can make a world of difference.
This guide lists 10 effective strategies to help parents deal with the everyday challenges of self-regulation and offers coping skills to navigate and reduce difficult situations.
Firstly, let’s understand two key terms: self-regulation and emotional dysregulation. Self-regulation is the ability to manage one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to achieve goals and respond to situations appropriately. On the other hand, emotional dysregulation is the difficulty in controlling or regulating emotions, leading to outbursts, meltdowns, and impulsive behavior.
Before you can effectively manage an ADHD meltdown, you need to recognise the warning signs. These might include increased agitation, inability to focus, or starting to become verbally aggressive.
Early identification of an emerging strong emotion can help you intervene before emotions escalate and emotional dysregulation occurs. For example, a child might begin pacing, fidgeting excessively, or clenching their fists.
As a parent myself, when my child starts clenching their fists and pacing, I know it’s time to step in and help them redirect their energy before it escalates – and importantly before I become dysregulated.
Children with ADHD thrive in structured environments. Consistent routines around meals, homework, and sleep can reduce anxiety and help prevent meltdowns. Visual schedules can be particularly helpful, giving the child a clear expectation of the day’s events.
A structured routine can prevent situations like your child becoming overwhelmed when it’s time to transition from playtime to homework.
“A predictable routine can provide a sense of stability and reduce the likelihood of emotional outbursts,” says Dr. Jane Smith, a pediatric psychologist specialising in ADHD.
Reduce environmental triggers that can lead to meltdowns. This could involve lowering noise levels, clearing clutter, and creating a dedicated space where your child can feel safe and calm.
Soft lighting, comfortable seating, and access to favorite comfort objects can make this space inviting and secure. For instance, when your child is upset because of a noisy environment, moving them to their calm space can help them settle down.
In our home we created a cosy corner (there was no naughty step) with bean bags, soft lighting, and their favorite books. It’s his go-to spot when he needs to calm down.
Effective communication is essential. Use clear, concise instructions, and always give your child a chance to express their feelings. It’s important that they feel heard and understood, even if their viewpoint is different from yours. For example, instead of saying, “Stop yelling,” you could say, “I see you’re upset. Can you use your words to tell me what’s wrong?”
“Validating a child’s feelings and encouraging them to articulate their emotions can significantly reduce frustration and prevent meltdowns,” advises Dr. Laura Markham, author of “Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids.“
Focus on positive reinforcement rather than punishment. Reward good behavior and successful self-regulation with praise, attention, or other rewards. This not only boosts your child’s self-esteem but also makes them more likely to repeat those behaviors. For instance, if your child uses deep breathing to calm down, praise them for using their coping skills.
For example whenever my daughter uses her breathing exercises to calm down, I make sure to praise her and sometimes give her a sticker for her effort. I make sure she nows I notice.
Equip your child with tools to manage their emotions and develop self-regulation skills. Techniques like deep breathing, counting to ten, or using a stress ball can help them regain control during high-stress moments. For example, teaching a child to squeeze a stress ball when they start to feel overwhelmed can prevent a meltdown.
The Polyvagal Teen Card Deck is a fantastic tool that helps children and teens understand their nervous system and supports parents to reframe behavior.
By using these cards, children and parents can improve their emotional vocabulary and understand how their nervous sy callstem impacts their emotions and behaviour calls. The cards through a polyvagal informed lens support in reframing behaviour as a clue to what the nervous system is doing.
Set achievable goals and expectations based on your child’s capabilities. High expectations can lead to frustration and meltdowns, while setting the bar too low can prevent growth and improvement. It’s important to remember that every child is different and may require different strategies for self-regulation. For example, expecting a child to complete homework in one sitting might be unrealistic; instead, break it into smaller, manageable tasks.
“Setting realistic, attainable goals helps children build confidence and reduces the likelihood of emotional distress,” says Dr. David Anderson, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute.
Have a plan in place for when meltdowns occur. You can help your child calm down by using calming phrases, doing a quiet activity, or following a set of steps. These actions can assist your child in returning to a peaceful state.
Helping your child manage their emotions by staying calm and regulated as a parent is crucial. For example, if your child begins to have a meltdown in a public place, calmly taking them to a quieter area and using soothing words can help them calm down.
We have a de-escalation plan that includes moving to a quiet room or space and using a calming co-regulation phrase like, “Let’s take a deep breath together.” or gesture such as holding their hand if you have consent to touch.
Work closely with your child’s teachers and any therapists they see to ensure strategies are consistent across home and school. Collaboration ensures that everyone involved understands how best to support your child. This united approach helps in addressing your child’s needs effectively.
For instance, if a therapist uses specific calming techniques, incorporating those techniques at home and school can provide consistency and reinforce positive behaviors.
Research tells us consistency between home and school environments can create a more predictable and supportive experience for children with ADHD.
Lastly, take care of your own mental and emotional health. Managing ADHD can be challenging, and caregiver burnout is real. Make sure you have support, whether through friends, family, or professional help.
Practicing self-care allows for better patience, understanding, and resilience when dealing with ADHD meltdowns. For example, joining a support group for parents of children with ADHD can provide emotional support and practical advice.
Personally I found joining a support group for parents of children with ADHD incredibly helpful. Sharing experiences and strategies with others in similar situations made me feel less alone and more equipped to handle challenges.
Every child with ADHD is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. The key is patience, consistency, and a willingness to adapt strategies as your child grows and changes.
Parents and caregivers need a variety of strategies to help children with ADHD handle difficult moments. Some of the top strategies include creating a calm and structured environment, setting clear expectations and boundaries, providing positive reinforcement, and teaching coping skills such as deep breathing or mindfulness techniques.
Additionally, reaching out to professionals, such as therapists or support groups, can provide valuable resources and guidance in managing ADHD-related challenges. By implementing these strategies and seeking support, parents and caregivers can effectively manage ADHD meltdowns and support their child in leading a fulfilling and successful life.
If you need further guidance or support, consider purchasing our workbook journal on Amazon: “Build Better Bonds With Emotional Regulation – 55 days of self-development, nurture, and growth for improved wellbeing.”
Or join our free Facebook community for additional support.
Our workbook, designed specifically for the modern neurodivergent family, offers practical tools and strategies to manage emotional regulation. Embrace the challenge, and start building better bonds today!
With a passion for improving the emotional wellbeing of young people, adults and parents, she is the founder and creator of Polyvagal Teen®, she has developed an innovative approach to helping teens recognise and manage stress and anxiety through becoming “Polyvagal Aware”. In addition, Yasmin is also the founder of World Let’s Stop Shouting Day, which aims to promote peaceful communication and reduce conflict and aggression in our daily interactions. Neurosloth™ and The Hearts Whisper®
She also runs a small private practice providing counselling and neurofeedback to young people and adults in North Yorkshire.
