Episode 110: Struggling with your child’s intense meltdowns? What’s Really Happening and What to Do in the Moment

Have you ever wondered:

• “Why does my child go from 0 to 100 so fast?”
• “Why do they hit, kick, or completely lose control during meltdowns?”
• “And what am I actually supposed to do in that moment?”

What do you do when your child is in the middle of a meltdown—and nothing seems to be working?

In this episode of Sensory Solutions for Parents, we’re breaking down what’s really happening during meltdowns—and even full-on rage—and how to respond in a way that actually helps your child.

You’ll learn why meltdowns are typically not just “misbehavior,” but a nervous system response, and how moments of hitting, kicking, or losing control are often part of the fight response when a child becomes overwhelmed.

Instead of focusing on just stopping the behavior, this episode walks you through connection-first strategies that support your child’s regulation in the moment.

You’ll walk away with simple, practical tools to:

• Stay calm and grounded during intense moments
• Support your child’s body (not just their behavior)
• Keep everyone safe during a full-on rage
• Know what to say—and what not to say
• Build regulation over time

If you’ve ever felt unsure, overwhelmed, or stuck during your child’s meltdowns, this episode will give you a clear path forward.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

• Meltdowns are a loss of regulation, not misbehavior
• During a meltdown, your child cannot access reasoning or control
• Intense behaviors are fight, flight, or freeze responses
• Full-on rage is the fight response at its highest level
• Co-regulation is the foundation for long-term emotional skills
• Teaching and problem-solving happen after, not during the meltdown

❤️ REMEMBER

Your child isn’t trying to give you a hard time. They’re having a hard time in their body.

NEXT STEPS:

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DISCLAIMER

This podcast, Sensory Solutions for Parents, is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, occupational therapy, or other professional advice.

The host is a licensed occupational therapist; however, the information shared in this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific child or situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and Alison Foura, PhD, OTR/L. Any strategies, ideas, or suggestions shared are offered as general support for parents and caregivers and should be used at your own discretion, with consideration for your child’s individual needs and your family’s values.

Always seek the guidance of your child’s pediatrician, occupational therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your child’s development, behavior, or health.

This podcast may also include personal experiences and, at times, faith-based perspectives. These are shared as part of Alison’s personal and professional lens and are not intended to replace individualized care or professional guidance.