Nervous Systems and Tantrums: Rethinking Child Meltdowns
Trying to logic a child out of a tantrum is a losing battle when their nervous system is in overdrive. Learn what actually works during a meltdown.
Therapist Jessica Bloom, owner of In Bloom Counseling, breaks down why big feelings are not bad behavior, why traditional "consistency" often makes power struggles worse, and how to use simple language that helps kids feel seen without abandoning your boundaries.
Learn about
The play therapy "ACT" framework: Acknowledge the feeling, Communicate the boundary, and target alternatives.
How sleep, food, movement, and routine shape a child's ability to handle disappointment.
Why many parents are unknowingly reacting to their own childhood triggers during public tantrums.
The difference between behavior and communication, and the danger of talking too much during a dysregulated moment.
How to say "no" and teach discipline without shame, guilt, or escalation.
If you are a parent or therapist trying to understand why a steadier, kinder approach changes everything for both kids and adults, this episode is essential listening. Notes to My Nervous System is hosted by Erin Vandermore, founder of Mind Circuit™—a regulation-first platform developing brief, practical tools for schools.