Oh, no. You got the dreaded call from your child’s daycare; the one that tells you your child bit a classmate and then had a complete meltdown when their teacher put them in time-out. What is going on? Your child has always been so well-behaved and kind to everyone! Why have they changed so drastically?
Rest assured that it’s not just your child. Many kids go through behavioral changes as they grow. The Baton Rouge Clinic and Affinity Health Group have seen it all and want to help you understand why these changes happen, what’s completely normal, and what you should be on the lookout for when it comes to meltdowns.
Why These Behaviors Happen
Children go through a many changes—some are yearly, some monthly, and some are essentially week to week. Besides just shooting up like a weed before your eyes, your child is also learning how to navigate a world that’s completely new to them.
It’s easy to forget that people aren’t just born with the knowledge they have as adults; rather kids have to learn how to do everything for the very first time, including skills like regulating their emotions and communicating effectively. Toddlers, who can’t express themselves with words yet, may lash out because of the frustration felt in not being able to communicate. Preschoolers, who are only just learning basic coping strategies, also aren’t always equipped to handle situations that cause them emotional upheaval and can get easily overwhelmed when trying to express or manage their inner thoughts and feelings. Things grown-ups perceive as simple, everyday things—like schedule changes, new social situations, or being hungry or exhausted—can push your toddler or preschooler over the edge and make them act in ways they normally wouldn’t. During early school years, kids may be experiencing dynamics that at the very least challenge them and at the very most completely rock their world, which may cause them to lash out at people around them.
How Parents Can Help at Home
Now that you understand why these behaviors occur, you can start using strategies to help your child manage their emotions. For older children, one of the first steps is having a sit-down conversation with your child about your expectations for behavior. Be clear and consistent about what is and isn’t acceptable. This should include consequences for negative actions, no matter your child’s age.
For children of all ages, it’s important to model the behavior you want to see. Children learn a lot by watching how adults respond to stress. When you take a deep breath before reacting or talk openly about your emotions, you’re showing them what emotional regulation looks like in real life. Even small moments matter. For example, pausing before responding to a frustrating situation can be a powerful teaching tool.
You can also help your child build their emotional regulation skills over time. Simple tools like deep breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, and age-appropriate problem-solving strategies can make a big difference. These skills give children more options when they start to feel overwhelmed.
Most importantly, reinforce positive behavior whenever you see it. Praise your child when they handle their emotions well, even in small ways. Encouragement helps them understand what they’re doing right and motivates them to keep going. Over time, this support can reduce the frequency of meltdowns and tantrums as these skills become more natural.
When to Talk to a Pediatrician
Sometimes, even with consistent support at home, children continue to struggle with emotional or behavioral regulation. If your child shows ongoing aggressive behavior that is worsening over time, has difficulty maintaining friendships, struggles to learn new skills, experiences delayed communication, or frequently has issues at school, it may be time to reach out to a pediatrician.
A pediatrician can evaluate developmental milestones and help identify whether there are underlying concerns that may need additional support. They can also provide guidance, make referrals to specialists if needed, and work alongside you and your child’s school or daycare to ensure your child receives appropriate support.
If you have concerns about your child’s behavior, emotional development, or social skills, the pediatric teams at The Baton Rouge Clinic and Affinity Health Group can help evaluate developmental milestones, answer questions, and provide guidance tailored to your child’s needs. Our board-certified pediatricians are dedicated to providing personalized care with both you and your child in mind to ensure the best possible treatment is provided every time you visit. Schedule an appointment online today, or call us at (225) 246-9240 for The Baton Rouge Clinic or (318) 807-4900 for Affinity Health in Monroe.