Gransnet forums

Grandparenting

Page 1 of 1
Flip | Customise

Managing big meltdowns

(4 Posts)
Add comment | Report
3761Nettynetty Fri 16-Oct-26 08:40:23

Hi
I take care of my 2yo grandson 2d a week. The only time I see him have a huge meltdown is when one of his parents leaves the house. He’s fine when they leave for work in the morning as he knows we will soon be leaving to take his brother to school and he loves that time.
It’s when his M or D is going out to run errands etc. He gets upset to the point that he gets angry and pushes me away and nothing I try, I.E distracting him, trying to comfort him, seems to work but I can’t stand to just leave him so upset laying on the floor.
Any advice from anyone who deals with this would be gratefully received!

Add comment | Report
friendlygingercat Fri 16-Oct-26 08:43:36

He wants attention so if you give it to him you are rewarding bad behaviour. Difficult as it is you should walk off and leave him. Its called tough love.

Add comment | Report
Wyllow3 Fri 16-Oct-26 08:50:53

I'd say give him a little reasonable comfort, then leave him to get on with it: be there in a chair and wait it out, and he can always come for a cuddle?

Add comment | Report
Grandmabatty Fri 16-Oct-26 09:06:57

Small children have big emotions which they can't self regulate. He absolutely is not doing it for attention. My dgs2 has had meltdowns all his wee life. It could also be separation anxiety. While he's in the throes of it, he won't be able to respond to you. I would try to distract him before it starts. Praise him for good behaviour when you can. Ask him if he's ready to talk. Cuddle him if he allows it..Now dgs2 is slightly older, I tell him to go to another room till he feels calm.

Page 1 of 1
Flip | Customise