The term tantrum may already be familiar to the ear. Tantrum is a term that is usually used to describe a condition in which a person expresses his emotions by crying, shouting, hitting, hurting himself, to other things excessively.
Tantrums are usually known to often occur in children and adults with certain mental conditions. Usually, what happens to those who are in tantrums is that they find it difficult to express their desires, there are feelings of discomfort, and feelings of hopelessness that people find it difficult to understand so that emotional outbursts arise in them.
In line with tantrums, it turns out that there is a psychological condition that is almost similar to a tantrum, namely a meltdown. The term tantrum is more widely used by the public, while few people understand about meltdown. In fact, the conditions of the two are almost similar, so it is not uncommon for people to mislabel the two.
So what are the characteristics between tantrums and meltdowns and the differences? Check out the following tips that can be applied when dealing with children and adults who are experiencing tantrums.
What are Tantrums?
Tantrum is a term that is quite popular in society. Often we find the label of tantrums in children who are crying, screaming, hitting, when their wishes do not come true. Tantrums are angry outbursts that occur when desires cannot be fulfilled. Usually, tantrums are most often found in children who are still having trouble managing their emotions.
Tantrums have goals that they usually want to achieve. Either just wanting something or avoiding something. That's why tantrums are often juxtaposed with manipulative behavior because it aims to want or avoid something. This behavior will usually stop when the desire has been obtained.
Instead of obeying, a child who is having a tantrum should not always be obeyed. Either as a parent or the people who are around him provide space for him to express his feelings first. Give space and time for children to be able to express their emotions properly and as much as possible away from things or behavior that can harm him. Hug and talk to her when her emotions are full and she's calmer.
Meltdown is different from Tantrum
Unlike the case with tantrums, meltdowns usually do not serve a specific purpose. Meltdown usually occurs without any specific desire to be realized. Sensory hypersensitivity problems are the main thing that is suspected to be the cause of a child or someone experiencing a meltdown. Sounds that are too loud, light that is too bright, or the sense of taste tasting a taste that is considered unacceptable can also be the cause of a meltdown.
Feelings of sadness, crying without a definite cause and goal to be achieved are the main causes of meltdowns. If a tantrum can be exemplified by the behavior of a child crying because he wants a toy, then a meltdown can be exemplified as a behavior when a child cries because the place is crowded, or does not want to be touched by other people.
Meltdown can also occur when tantrums that can not be overcome and become protracted. Because it is influenced by sensory problems, meltdown is most commonly found in children who experience hypersensitivity conditions such as autism.
Things to Do in the Face of Tantrums and Meltdowns
When you are dealing with a child or someone who is experiencing a tantrum or meltdown, the main step you can take is to keep them away from the crowd. Give him a comfortable space, spacious enough, and of course safe. Let him express his feelings first.
Wait patiently and if necessary you can hug him so that his condition can be calmer. Only after calming down, listen carefully to how he is feeling and validate his emotions. When he feels ready to listen and accept suggestions, give him an understanding of the situation.
Hugs are an effort to calm the condition of a child or someone who is in a tantrum or meltdown
Coping with a Tantrum Child/photo: pexels.com/keira-burton
To find out more about the condition of a person or child who has a tantrum or meltdown, visit a professional. Emotional problems that are not expressed properly can be a sign of whether a person has problems with emotion regulation or indeed a sign of other, more serious psychological problems.
By visiting a professional, besides being able to find out the condition and its causes, parents and those around them can also better understand what appropriate steps to take when someone is experiencing a tantrum or meltdown.
Not everyone can express their wishes correctly. Not only children, adults with certain conditions also often find it difficult to regulate their emotions. Be a good support system and provide a safe space for someone to be able to express their emotions appropriately.