Handling meltdowns and big emotions (ADHD)

By the Tika team · July 14, 2026

Emotional dysregulation is part of ADHD: feelings rise fast and hard. A meltdown isn’t a tantrum, it’s an overflow. Understanding that radically changes how you respond.

Before: prevent overload

Spot recurring triggers (hunger, tiredness, transitions, too much stimulation) and act upstream. Many meltdowns are avoided by easing pressure before the tipping point.

During: welcome, don’t reason

Mid-meltdown, the brain can’t process arguments. Keep everyone safe, say little, stay calm and offer a bodily way back to calm.

• Stay calm and close
• Name the emotion softly
• Offer a calm corner or breathing
• Wait for the wave to pass, don’t negotiate

After: repair and understand

Once the storm passes, talk it over calmly, without blame. Praise the return to calm and look together for a strategy for next time.