Be like Elsa: The 123 Method to Freeze A Meltdown

Be Like Elsa: The 123 Method: Freezing the Meltdown

Imagine you shopping in a store with your children, Target perhaps. You are in the laundry aisle attempting to decide which detergent to buy when your child starts to whine. Before you realize it your child is wailing and flailing, sweat is rolling down your back and the teenagers in the make up aisle across the way are snickering at you.

This has happened to me more times than I’d like to admit. My children are great, but they are still children who can’t control themselves completely. It is our job as parents to do for them what they cannot do for themselves, set them up for success and most importantly teach them the correct way to behave.

I have found 3 steps to minimizing meltdowns in public.

Is this a cure-all for meltdowns? Not at all, it will help though.

The 123 Method to Freeze A Meltdown

Step 1 PREPARE

Do not take your child out in public set up for failure. If they are hungry, or it is just before naptime odds are they will not be in a great mood. Since my children were babes, I have planned my outings around their meals/naps. Of course I can’t do this every single time, but it really does make a huge difference.

Step 2 INFORM

As soon as my children could understand, I made sure to let them know the expectations before going on an outing.

“Today we are going to Target just to get a few items for dinner. No toys. No extras”. 

I repeat the expectations and limits of the trip to them a few times on the car ride there. This way they know what to expect. Of course they will still ask, but since I had informed them before setting foot in the store, they know the expectations. If it is a trip where I will allow them a snack from the food court or small trinket, I will let them know ahead of time but make sure it is contingent on them behaving appropriately. I have left toys and candy at the check out line multiple times when my children were misbehaving.

Step 3 WARN

When your child begins to whine, warn them of the consequences if they misbehave. I use a clip chart system, which is discussed here. This is very motivating to them. I warn my children I will clip them down when we return home. This usually is enough to stop a meltdown from progressing.  The key is to use a punishment that will motivate them to behave, and stick to what you say. 

Following through with the consequences of behavior is the only way that this system will work, and truly the only way your child will respect your authority.

And if all else fails, let it go, let it go, and

make sure you buy a few bottles of wine on your way out!