The Huddle Wisdom Blog: For Parents of Anxious & Sensitive Kids
Expert guidance and real-world reflections from a child psychiatrist who’s also a parent.
This Parenting Hack Will Change Your Life. Especially During Meltdowns
I recently shared a short, light-hearted video on Instagram (do have a look if you're interested!), and it got me thinking about something we all experience as parents: meltdowns.
Those moments when our children are overwhelmed, emotions are running riot, and it feels like we're navigating a force ten gale. It's tough for everyone involved.
In the video, I don my goggles and swimming cap and then..... It's a bit of fun, but it's also a visual reminder of how we can sometimes feel during these intense moments – like we're being pulled under by the chaos. But here's the thing: just as panicking in a real storm makes things worse, the same is true for emotional storms.
What I want to explore here is the importance of staying grounded during your child's meltdown. Of course, this is often easier said than done. Our own emotions can easily become entangled in the whirlwind, particularly when we're already feeling depleted or under pressure. However, and this is crucial, our children le
...Meltdown Mastery: The Ultimate Guide to Navigating Emotional Storms with Ease (or less difficulty)
In the latest episode of the Huddle Wisdom Podcast, I tackle the overwhelming feelings many of us face when helping children or patients during a meltdown, or when coaching another adult or caregiver through similar situations.
Often, I'm asked what the solution is for handling meltdowns. If you're asking that question in the heat of the moment, it's probably too late. Addressing a meltdown with the sole goal of stopping it is rarely effective. A meltdown is a natural consequence of a buildup of tensions, frictions, and breakages that occurred beforehand. To truly 'prevent' a meltdown, you need to start early and also spend time afterwards critically analysing the factors that led to it, including the triggers, perpetuators, and quellers. I cover these topics in Episodes 114 and 115 of the Huddle Wisdom Podcast:
 - [EP114](https://www.huddlewisdom.com/podcasts/the-huddle-wisdom-podcast/episodes/2148896669)
- [EP115](https://www.huddlewisdom.com/podcasts/the-huddle-wisdom-podcast/episo...
Unlock the Secret to Managing Meltdowns: Why a System Beats 1,000 Techniques Every Time!
 Why You Need a System, Not Just Techniques, to Manage Meltdowns
Parenting is a journey filled with countless challenges, and one of the most daunting is managing emotional meltdowns. As a parent, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of techniques and strategies available. But here’s the truth: you can’t simply learn a thousand techniques and expect to succeed. You’ll get confused, frustrated, and ultimately, you’ll find that these isolated tactics don’t work. What you need is a system—a consistent, repeatable approach that you can apply to reduce the frequency and intensity of meltdowns.
The Problem with a Thousand Techniques
Imagine trying to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) by memorising a thousand different moves without understanding the principles behind them. You’d be lost on the mat, unable to apply the right technique at the right time. The same goes for parenting. When you’re faced with a meltdown, you need more than just a bag of tricks. You need a deep ...
Why Does My Teen Hate Me? The Surprising Truth Every Parent Needs to Know!
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So...It’s a typical Tuesday evening. You’ve just finished preparing dinner, and you call your teen to the table. Instead of the usual chatter, you’re met with a sullen silence. Your teen slumps into their chair, barely acknowledging your presence. You ask about their day, and the response is a curt, “Fine.” You try to engage them in conversation, but every attempt is met with eye rolls and monosyllabic answers.
Later, you remind them to finish their homework and tidy up their room. Suddenly, the calm breaks. “Why do you always nag me? I hate you!” they shout before storming off to their room, slamming the door behind them.
You’re left standing there, heart aching and mind racing. What just happened? Why does your teen seem to hate you?
If this scenario sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many parents experience these challenging moments with their teens. But before you take it personally, it’s important to understand what’s really going on. Let’s explore why your teen
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