![]() ![]() Teenagers sometimes go through a period where they are very dysregulated, and again it is okay so long as they are not melting down more than a few times a week or more than 15 minutes at a time. If your child isn’t having meltdowns often and can be calmed down, this pattern could be normal. That may be developmentally normal so long as the meltdowns aren’t more than a couple of times per week and do not last for more than 10-15 minutes. Very young children may throw a fit to get what they want and seem to get overly upset often. Many kids with and without disorders have emotional regulation issues at certain times in life. Kids who ‘go from 0-60 in 10 seconds flat’ display emotional regulation problems. ![]() If your child’s mood is constantly shifting, there can be cause for concern. Escalates quickly : goes from 0-60 in ten seconds feels hard to help your child regulate and respond with rational thought, things become emotional so quickly.Seems to always be on the edge of tears: is a very emotional person who you may describe as extremely sensitive.Prone to sensory overload: terrified of autoflush toilets, the hand dryer, getting a haircut, fire alarms, and the list goes on and on.Displays reactions that are way out of proportion to the situation: the candy cane breaks, and your child cries for an hour.Has sudden emotional reactions that look like a tantrum: seems fine one moment, and then emotions are big and feel out of proportion to what is happening (excited to ride the train for the first time and then sobbing in fear of the vehicle derailing).In the next moment, no one likes them, and they are a social outcast Acts like they are on an emotional roller coaster: one moment things are great, and their friends are wonderful.Is dramatic: a conflict with a friend leads to sobbing and declaring the end of the world or going to a busy restaurant is an automatic ‘no, it’ll sound like the walls are caving in’.Maybe there is a science essay to write, or your child lost a game of monopoly to a sibling Shuts down: becomes silent, curls in a ball, and does not react to your efforts to offer support when the task at hand seems manageable to you.Symptoms of Emotional Regulation Issues in Children If your child seems highly sensitive to events and other stimuli in the environment, it may be that emotional regulation is a problem for them. It may be hard to get your child interested in activities or interests.Īlternately, your child may be so intensely interested that they are unable to ‘let it go’ when a particular activity doesn’t go their way. Your child may become easily annoyed and may seem to be overly reactive. You may feel like you are riding a roller coaster as your child becomes frustrated and then quickly drops into a sense of despair and hopelessness or an angry emotional rant. It may seem like nothing you do makes your child happy. Your child may have trouble controlling their behavior, impulses, or using good communication skills when emotions overwhelm them. A trip to the crowded grocery store on Christmas Eve might end with your child sobbing on the floor. Your child may see a dead animal on the side of the road and react with hysterics, being impossible to console. A simple splinter might lead to a day of screaming, crying, or even a trip to the doctor. It seems like everything that happens impacts them much more than expected. Some children appear to not handle everyday life like other kids. A tantrum is intended to get something or be rid of something (e.g., I want that cookie, I don’t want to wear a coat), while a meltdown is a failed attempt to manage a strong emotional reaction. Meltdowns and tantrums are not the same thing. ![]() Get Help Now What are Meltdowns in Childhood?Ī meltdown in childhood is a failure to regulate strong emotions in an age-appropriate way.Ī child may feel overwhelmed by an unexpected change in routine, a shift or transition from one activity to another, or something in the sensory environment. ![]()
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