Tiny Humans, Big Emotions: How to Navigate Tantrums, Meltdowns, and Defiance to Raise Emotionally Intelligent Children

by Alyssa Blask Campbell

focused on the Triangle of Growth. Sensory systems first. “I won’t let you hit me.” I held her hands as I continued, “Oh man, you were working so hard on that castle, and it crashed. That’s so frustrating.” [Pause.] “Let’s do ten big jumps!” She grabbed my hands and we jumped together, counting each one as we went. By the end of jumping, she was no longer crying. She was moving from her body to her brain. “It’s so frustrating when you’re working hard on something, and it gets ruined. You can take your time to feel frustrated. I’m here if you want to snuggle or read a book.” [Pause.] She looked at me, went and grabbed a book, and came back to my lap. We read together and I felt her physically exhale as her body was curled up in mine. “Would you like to try building again or are you feeling all done with Magna-Tiles for now?” She signed “All done” and went off to the play kitchen.