Understanding why destruction happens — and what to do in the moment — can completely transform how you and your child move through meltdowns.
When Chaos Hits Home
A slammed door. Toys thrown across the room. Crayons snapped in half. Maybe even something broken. Parents tell me these destructive meltdowns are the hardest — not just because of the mess, but because they feel like their child is “out of control.”
Why Destruction Happens
For sensitive kids or a highly sensitive child, destruction is not intentional, it’s happening TO a child whose nervous system is in FULL fight or flight. . It’s not about disrespect or not caring about your things — it’s about not being in control in those moments.
What Helps Instead?
The key is to have a plan to ensure you know exactly what you are going to do in those moments. Without a plan, it’s easy to default to strategies that result in a child who is feeling even deeper shame, which propels the meltdowns.
-Know what you’ll do to prepare spaces where your child often has these destructive meltdowns. Do you have grandma’s crystal candy bowl on the table still? Might be time to move it!
-Are you clear on what they CAN do when they have that destructive energy?
-When you have a plan that will guide them through this moment with confidence, everyone benefits.
The Meltdown Plan
With The Meltdown Plan, you’ll know exactly what to do when your child starts breaking things — without losing your cool or giving in.
Related Posts
-
Why Your Kid Pushes You Away When They Need You Most
If your child screams “leave me alone!” but falls apart when you do, you’re not doing anything wrong.
-
Why Transitions Are So Hard for Spicy Kids and What Helps
If your child melts down every time you say “time to go,” this isn’t about bad behavior. Here’s what’s happening—and how to make transitions easier.
