Beyond Meltdowns: New Ways to Support Anxious Children

Parenting is tough, especially when familiar ways of handling children's behaviour just don't work anymore. You try to stay calm, give them space, and do all the things you know should help. Yet, your child might still panic, withdraw, get angry, or dig their heels in. This isn't because you're doing something wrong or your child is difficult. Often, our usual methods don't quite line up with what's going on for our children when they're feeling anxious or overwhelmed. In those moments, their nervous system isn't after logic; it's desperate for safety.

A Different Approach for Astute Parents

The biggest change comes from a fresh take on how you parent – a shift in your thinking:

• Be the steady presence when your child's world feels wobbly.
• Ask "What's hard for them right now?" instead of focusing on "Why are they behaving this way?"
• Build connection first (before trying to sort things out) because learning only happens when the alarm bells have stopped ringing in their heads.
• We need to understand their needs differently during those tricky times.

Useful Resources for Informed Parents

To help astute parents put this new approach into practice, we've got two free resources:

• The Emotional Storm Map: A guide to understanding what's truly behind meltdowns and how to respond effectively, even when you feel a bit lost. Get it HERE 
• The Huddle Wisdom Podcast Episode 141: "Parenting Is Harder Than You Think, Easier Than You Know (Here's How)" gives practical advice. LISTEN HERE

If these tools resonate with you, Davin's self-paced programme, Making Sense of Anxious Children, offers a full framework for this new perspective. No strict rules, just greater clarity.

You're showing up and trying your best, which is brilliant. This parenting journey sometimes just calls for a different kind of wisdom.