Why Your Child Melts Down When You Join In
This episode is built around one afternoon. A mum, a 5-year-old, a toddler, and a new box of modelling clay. The time has been carefully found. The intention is good. There is even a beautifully crafted bunny involved.
And then, somewhere between the brightly coloured packets and the clay banging on the table, everything unravels.
I want to look at what was actually happening before the meltdown, and why that moment is so confusing precisely because the mum in this story was doing everything right.
What I explore in this episode:
what children are actually doing when they are absorbed in play.
What happens when a well-intentioned adult brings their own idea into that space.
Whose need was whose in this particular moment, and why that question matters.
A thread from your own childhood worth pulling on
This one is observational, because sometimes the most useful thing is just a closer look.
About Emma
Emma Reed is a psychotherapeutic counsellor and parenting educator who helps thoughtful, caring parents understand the emotional dynamics behind everyday parenting challenges so they can respond with calm authority and connection.
Connect:
Instagram / Facebook / YouTube → @dreamyourfuturefamilies
Start here for free → go.dyfparents.com/sigh-to-snap-spotter
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