My feed
Premium

Please
or
to access all these features

Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

SN children

when does a tantrum become a meltdown and when does a routine become an obsession?

12 replies

misdee · 16/01/2006 19:21

dd2 has bee in pre-school since sept. she always brings home a drawing, usually a skribble then she folds the picture in half and cuts lines into it. Anyway, to today, dd2 didnt do a picture, no idea why. but she had a full on tantrum, threw herself on the floor screaming (i heard it outside the door which was locked) and kicking. i was slightly late so no idea how long it had been happening.

so when does routine become obsession, and when is a tantrum a meltdown?

OP posts:
Report
Blandmum · 16/01/2006 19:28

I think that this one is hard to say, but I would imagine that context might be the key.

Dd is NT and had tantrums that were melt downs....some could last 2 hours. This happened from when she was 1 to just about 6. Sometimes I didn't even know what had sparked it. But when I did it was a 'normal' trigger IYSWIM.

I think you have to look at why she had the tantrum and to try to put it in context? (please excuse me, sn mums if I am talking through my arse)

Report
Blandmum · 16/01/2006 19:29

And at her worst, dd was having tantrums daily, sometimes several times a day. for you, it is bloody grim

Report
misdee · 16/01/2006 19:31

she was still upset when she came out, so much so that i couldnt understand what she wanted.

dd1 still holds the record in this house for a major tantrum, over 4hours with a nap inbetween.

OP posts:
Report
misdee · 16/01/2006 19:31

she did tell me that it was because she hadnt done a picture btw.

OP posts:
Report
Blandmum · 16/01/2006 19:36

4 hours! Thank god you can smile about it!

Report
misdee · 16/01/2006 19:38

it was hilarious. it started when we were out shopping, she wanted a dummy, i didnt have one (she was about 2.5yrs old i think), and so it started. all the way home, in the flat, she fell asleep on her bedroom screaming, woke up and carried on. i just tuned it out.

OP posts:
Report
Blandmum · 16/01/2006 19:40

dd would follow me round and round the house, dropping to the floor in each room, I'd calmly exit and she would get up, follow me, drop and start all over again.

Bloody good job we love then eh?

Report
onlyjoking9329 · 16/01/2006 20:07

things become an obsession in this house very quickly, do something the same way more than once and its an obsession, cups have to be a certain colour,and in a certain position, e.g on the left side of plate but must be touching the plate,left sock has to be put on before the right, the list is endless.

Report
PeachyClair · 16/01/2006 20:22

DS2 has tantrums- shouting, lying down, the works but I always feel I can deal with it and that it is transient. DS1 has meltdowns- screaming, terrible haunting 'laughing', attacking people and me, strange dancing movements- I always feel I can't deal with it and he pays no attention to anything I say .

Report
mamadadawahwah · 17/01/2006 23:10

I dont know, my husband has been known to tantrum for some time and meltdown afterwards when he cant get what he wants. I have seen "nt" kids do the tantrum thing all the time. I dont worry about it much seeing as i generally have a way to deal with what is causing the tantrum but i am sure it cant be too pleasant.

Report
misdee · 17/01/2006 23:54

your husband? really?

OP posts:
Report
mamadadawahwah · 18/01/2006 08:40

Uh, yeah! not too uncommon either in the male species.

Report
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.