We’re child behavioural experts – the 5 main types of meltdown – how to recognise each & how to deal with them
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AS a parent, you've probably dealt with your fair share of meltdowns that often appear to come out of nowhere.
And while screaming, crying and stomping might appear in almost all of them, there are actually different causes for children's tantrums and most are pretty valid.
Baby and parenting expert, Rachel FitzD tells Fabulous: "Just like you and me, when children of whatever age feel emotionally overwhelmed, they can respond by having a meltdown.
"This is a normal, human response, and the only difference between them and us is that we have gained enough experience and maturity to have learned avoidance and coping strategies."
Meltdowns start in early toddlerhood - from around the first birthday, Rachel explains.
This is when the tot starts to develop a more in-depth and complex emotional life.
More on children's meltdowns
"As they get older, with compassionate support and guidance from loving parents, children continue to have meltdowns but are more able to handle them appropriately," she says.
But how do you recognise the cause of your child's tantrum and just how many are there? Fabulous has the answers.
Types of meltdown and how to recognise them
While there are plenty of reasons for your child to have a meltdown, there are five main types.
Manipulative
Dubbed the 'Go Big or Go Home' tantrum by parenting and behavioural consultant Sophie Boucher-Giles, who founded the , this one is "designed to wear an adult down until you give in to the demand just to make the noise stop."
Hydration is also important for mood regulation and for your child to be able to think and process well.
So make sure they aren’t thirsty and that you're providing plenty of opportunities to drink.
As for being tired, trying to keep to a regular bedtime and introduce naps where appropriate, Sophie advises.
Finally, frustration is another reason your little one might be throwing tantrums.
"Toddlers and older kids crave independence (the opportunity to do things for themselves) and autonomy (the chance to make choices and take decisions for themselves)," Rachel says.
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"Tots can just about manage a little hunger or tiredness but shove frustration into the mix and your child will simply be pushed into overwhelm.
"Just like us - we might still just about cope at work if we skip lunch or if we have had a bad night but if we then hit a frustrating challenge, panic can set in and we lose our ability to deal with it calmly. "