Surviving Toddler Meltdowns at Parties

Those who have toddlers can relate with the meltdowns they experience when too over-stimulated or tired. These tantrums, which can occur in even the mellowest of youths, upset and embarrass the parents, and cause stress to even the most carefully planned event. One thing for sure about children, they are unpredictable.
There are a few precautions you can take to ensure a quiet meal with family and friends, and avoid a meltdown. 

1. Feed the children first. Once they are full they won’t be as cranky and will allow everyone else to eat their meal in peace.

2. Have a playpen or area sectioned off for them to play. Make sure there is nothing that could be harmful, and put in plenty of age-appropriate toys to keep them occupied.

3. Allow a time to relax and wind down about 30 minutes before their regular nap. With all the excitement around it may be difficult for them to get their nap on time, and a tired toddler is a cranky toddler.  Have someone sit down with the little ones and read a story or do an activity that is not too active. With a full stomach, and a quiet atmosphere, a nap is only a few winks away.

4. After nap time, either take turns with other adults in giving the younger children attention. Sometimes you can rely on a teenager (and maybe even pay them) to have them spend time with the younger ones. Children want attention, and when in a crowd of people they often will feel they are not getting enough and start acting up.
People who have lived through the “terrible twos” can attest to the fact that when a toddler is in the room, there is no guarantees of angelic behavior – no matter what you do, but you can do what you can to de-stress the situation.

Happy Thanksgiving!