13/01/2026
Tantrums vs Meltdowns 🤍
Understanding the why behind behaviour helps us respond with the right support.
Tantrums
➡️ Goal-driven (e.g. wanting an item, attention, or escape)
➡️ Often stop when the goal is met
➡️ The child usually has some level of control
ABA-informed tips:
• Teach and prompt functional communication (asking, requesting, choosing)
• Reinforce calm, appropriate behaviours consistently
• Stay clear and consistent with boundaries, e.g., follow through on packing up toys first then reward with preferred item
Meltdowns
➡️ Caused by overwhelm (sensory, emotional, cognitive)
➡️ Not purposeful or manipulative
➡️ The nervous system is in distress
ABA-informed tips:
• Reduce demands and provide regulation supports (quiet corner, noise cancelling headphones)
• Modify the environment (noise, transitions, expectations, other people in the room such as siblings)
• Focus on co-regulation, not consequences
• Teach coping and regulation skills outside of meltdown moments (counting to 10, body squeezes, find all the items in the room of one colour)
✨ Behaviour is communication. When we understand the function, we can respond with empathy, structure, and evidence-based support.
If you’re unsure what you’re seeing or need tailored support, our behaviour specialists are here to help. We also offer Parent Coaching services with tailored strategies you can use at home to help manage behaviours of concern and big emotions.
