Help meeeeee 8yo has turned into an overgrown toddler

[beela]

My usually reasonable (for an 8yo) ds has had the mother of all meltdowns today, proper out of control crying and howling and snot, because I said we couldn't pull the Christmas crackers until..... Christmas day.

He never usually behaves like this, he didn't even have toddler tantrums when he was actually a toddler.

He calmed down, ate his tea, we were all cosy on the sofa and then he did something to deliberately upset his sister, so I've sent him to bed. I'm currently sat in his room in the dark, he's in bed literally growling, and saying that nobody loves him.

I get that Christmas can be overwhelming, everyone is tired etc etc, but we were aware of that and deliberately had a quieter day today (pottering around at home, Christmas film, baking, etc). Not really sure what I'm asking, I just don't know how to handle this as he is usually pretty level headed

My 7 year old has had similar meltdowns several days this week. She's just shattered. This too will pass! and

Ha! My 8 yo DD had the mother of all toddler meltdowns and was literally on the floor slamming her fists on the floor, all because she wasn't allowed a second bag of monster munch!

She's shattered and normality will resume after a couple of chilled days!

My almost 6 year old has been horrific since school breakup - she is absolutely knackered, overhyped for Christmas and just generally running on adrenaline and empty.

Yeah, my 6yo is the same - shattered, overwrought, ridiculous. You sound like you're doing all the right things - just like a toddler tantrum, there's no reasoning with them so I wouldn't be trying to persuade him he is loved or whatever. Just hear him out and stay with him (if you can) while he settles himself back down. Hope tomorrow is better x

Argh, good to know we're not alone at least!

My 4yo seems to be coping much better (today at least!)

for everyone else with a child who has tipped over the edge.