When Your Child Is Overwhelmed
*A Guide for Parents in the Storm – From a Mother and Mental Health Coach*
We’ve all been there: Your child is screaming, crying, or shutting down, and you feel powerless. As both a mental health professional and a mother to a neurodiverse teen, here’s what I’ve learned:
*Their meltdown isn’t defiance—it’s their way of responding to stress.*
**What You Can Do**
**1. Regulate Yourself First**
When emotions escalate, prioritize your calm. It’s okay to step away briefly—splash water on your face, shake out tension, or take deep breaths. By modeling self-care, you teach your child healthy coping strategies.
**2. Hold Space, Not Solutions**
Avoid lecturing or logic during meltdowns. For neurodiverse children, words can heighten anxiety. Instead, offer quiet presence: a steady gaze, a gentle touch, or simply sitting nearby. This says, *"I’m here, even in the storm."*
**3. Honor the Recovery Phase**
After the crisis, resist the urge to dissect what happened. A hug, a snack, or time in their Calm Corner helps reset their nervous system. In our home, my son retreats to his weighted stuffed animal—a nonverbal anchor that says, *"You’re safe now."*
**4. Build Emotional Resilience**
Equip your child with sensory tools (like textured blankets or calming visuals) and normalize emotional waves. Progress isn’t about avoiding meltdowns but learning to ride them.
**To Every Caregiver Reading This:**
You’re doing better than you think. Showing up—patiently, imperfectly—is an act of profound love. At Love Relay, we’re here to walk this path with you, one gentle step at a time.
