A recap of the Meltdown Solution Series.

EBOOK available for download:

https://www.huddlewisdom.com/the-meltdown-solution-ebook

The STEPs procedure is an excellent, effective and easy method of creating solutions to problems that lead to meltdowns. It does take some practice but it saves you time and energy and helps your children to build up resilience as you go through this process.

The Meltdown Solution EBOOK

https://www.huddlewisdom.com/the-meltdown-solution-ebook

In this episode, we dive into Chapter 4 of the ebook, exploring how to create a Heatmap of Friction Points. This visual tool helps identify when and where meltdowns are likely to occur, enabling you to address potential triggers and create smoother transitions throughout the day.

Creating Your Own Heatmap:

1. Draw a timeline: Outline your typical day.

2. Mark meltdown times: Use red dots for frequent meltdowns.

3. Stressful periods: Mark these with orange dots.

4. Calm periods: Use green dots to indicate easy times.

Identifying Patterns:

• Look for clusters of red/orange dots.

• Identify challenging times and activities that lead to stress.

Real-Life Example:

• Sarah's Story: Sarah noticed her son had meltdowns around 4 PM. She adjusted her routine by preparing dinner earlier, setting up a quiet activity for her son, and involving him in simple food prep tasks. These changes turned a red spot on her Heatmap into a green one.

Using Your Heatmap:

1. Identify Patterns: Spot clusters of stress points.

2. Consider Factors: Think about hunger, fatigue, or overstimulation.

3. Brainstorm Solutions: Adjust schedules, prepare in advance, create routines, and introduce calming activities.

4. Implement Gradually: Focus on one or two friction points at a time.

5. Reassess Regularly: Review and update your Heatmap every few weeks.

• Pause the podcast to jot down one red spot on your Heatmap and three strategies to address it.

1. Overwhelming Red Spots: Focus on the most challenging times first.

2. Unpredictable Days: Look for patterns in activities rather than specific times.

3. Involving Your Child: Create a Heatmap together or use stickers for younger children.

4. Partner Disagreements: Create individual Heatmaps and compare notes.

5. Seeing Improvements: Consistent effort should show changes within weeks, though progress may not always be linear.

• The Heatmap aims to reduce unnecessary stress, not eliminate all challenges. Frustration is a normal part of child development.

• Homework: Create your own Heatmap, track your routine, and focus on one friction point.

Link to the Meltdown Solution eBook : https://www.huddlewisdom.com/the-meltdown-solution-ebook

In this episode, we delve into Chapter 3 of the The MELTDOWN SOLUTION ebook. The SAVE Protocol. This essential strategy is your go-to for managing meltdowns as they happen. By the end, you'll have a powerful tool to help your child navigate intense emotional moments.

• Recap of Previous Episode:

  • Differentiating between tantrums and meltdowns.

  • Identifying common triggers and early warning signs.

• Introduction to the SAVE Protocol:

  • S: Safety First - Prioritise removing hazards and creating a calm space.

  • A: Assess and Approach - Evaluate the situation and approach your child calmly.

  • V: Validate Feelings - Acknowledge and accept your child's emotions.

  • E: Engage Calmly - Maintain a calm presence and offer comfort or space as needed.

• Real-Life Application:

  • Scenario walkthrough: Applying the SAVE Protocol to a child frustrated with a puzzle.

  • Practical tips for public settings and when feeling overwhelmed.

• Common Challenges and Questions:

  • Adapting the SAVE Protocol in public.

  • Managing your own emotions.

  • Dealing with violent meltdowns.

  • Patience and consistency in applying the protocol.

  • The importance of supporting your child through ongoing meltdowns.

• Role-Playing Exercise:

  • Practicing the SAVE Protocol with a playground scenario.

  • Reflection on how the protocol feels and its effectiveness.

• Homework:

  • Implement the SAVE Protocol during your child's next meltdown.

  • Reflect on what worked and areas for improvement.

This podcast series accompanies the book.

Mental models for parents, teachers, professionals dealing with their children's meltdowns.

For Episode 1 we start with controlling the one thing we can control in the heat of the moment...tune in to find out what this is.

Episode Highlights:

• Personal Journey: I share my own experiences as a parent, including a haunting day at the school car park, and why these moments led me to create effective systems for managing meltdowns.

• From the Expert: Despite being a child psychiatrist, I admit that parenting expertise comes from practical experience, not just professional training.

  Unique Frameworks: Learn about the practical frameworks developed through real-life experiences, designed to help you manage intense emotional moments with your children

Resources Mentioned:

• Download the Meltdown Solution Ebook: [Link to ebook]

• Watch the Old Video: [Link to video]

• Visit the Website: [Link to Huddle Wisdom website]

Thank you for joining me on this journey to transform meltdowns from moments of crisis into opportunities for growth and connection.

Are you a parent struggling with anxiety? Do you worry about how your anxiety might be affecting your children? In this episode of 'The Huddle Wisdom Podcast' with Dr Davin Tan explores practical strategies for managing parental anxiety. Discover how to identify your triggers, practice mindfulness, communicate effectively, and set healthy boundaries. Learn how taking care of your mental health can create a more positive and nurturing environment for your entire family.

www.huddlewisdom.com/signup

www.huddlewisdom.com/courses

In the final episode of the Huddle Wisdom Podcast series, Empathic Guidance for Anxious CHildren, Dr. Davin Tan explores the importance of tailoring your approach to your child's mental age rather than their chronological age. Using the factory analogy, Dr. Tan explains how children develop at different rates across various domains and provides practical strategies for supporting them at their actual developmental stage.

Highlights:

• Recap of the factory analogy for understanding child anxiety

• Differences between mental and chronological age

• Story of Emma, a 12-year-old with varied developmental stages

• Practical strategies for preschool, primary school, and teenage developmental stages

• Identifying your child's mental age through observation and interaction

• Introduction to the "developmental gradient" method

Dr. Tan also introduces the Empathic Guidance course, a comprehensive program designed to help parents and caregivers develop a deeper understanding of child psychology and anxiety. The course offers in-depth insights and practical tools to nurture your child's emotional well-being.

Tune in to learn how to adapt your approach to meet your child's changing needs. Thank you for joining us throughout this series!

To learn more about the Empathic GUidance for Anxious Children course

www.huddlewisdom.com/courses

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