How to Stay Calm When Your Child Loses It - Practical Tips for Parents

"If you’re struggling with toddler tantrums and behaviors like hitting & not listening... I have a free guide for you! It’s called The Tantrum and Behavior Guide: 7 Toddler Struggles and How to Solve Them Fast—It's HERE!

When your child is screaming, throwing toys, or melting down in public, it can feel impossible to stay calm. But what if you didn’t have to be the “perfect” parent to handle big emotions with steadiness?

In this episode, we’ll unpack what really makes it possible to keep your cool—even when you’re tired, overwhelmed, or triggered yourself. You’ll hear stories, fresh perspectives, and the mindset shifts that change everything in those heated moments.

If you’ve ever wondered how to be the calm anchor your child needs, this is for you.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:14 The Importance of Staying Calm
00:22 Personal Anecdote from The Voice
01:33 Understanding Calmness and Patience
02:20 Managing External Pressures
06:36 Defining Calmness
09:28 Reflecting on Personal Experiences
11:03 Proactive Parenting Strategies
11:43 Daily Habits for Calmness
12:09 The Power of Self-Reflection
14:36 Emotional Buttons and Childhood Experiences
18:11 Building Calmness as a Skill
25:14 The Role of Self-Compassion
29:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Study Citations:
Citation: Kross, E., & Ayduk, O. (2011). Making meaning out of negative experiences by self-distancing. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 20(3), 187–191.

Citation: Gross, J. J., & John, O. P. (2003). Individual differences in two emotion regulation processes: implications for affect, relationships, and well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 85(2), 348–362.

Citation: Slade, A. (2005). Parental reflective functioning: An introduction. Attachment & Human Development, 7(3), 269–281.

Citation: Neff, K. D. (2003). Self-compassion: An alternative conceptualization of a healthy attitude toward oneself. Self and Identity, 2(2), 85–101.

------------------------------------------------------

Heather has her M.Ed, and a proud Twin Mama of busy toddlers. You might've tried advice tailored for one child, but that's not our journey, right? With a decade of teaching experience under her belt, she's seen it all – from toddlers to teenagers in the classroom. Now, as a parent to toddlers, she's experiencing the flip side of the coin. She's discovered a toolbox to help parents with everything toddler times two!

Let's unlock the secrets to understanding toddler behavior, preventing meltdowns, and raising intuitive, resilient children.

• Grab the  The Tantrum and Behavior Guide: 7 Toddler Struggles and How to Solve Them Fast
• Check out the Transform Tantrums: A Listening Toddler In 7 Days mini-course!
• Join the Toddler Mom Community
• Follow me on Instagram @heatherschalkparenting
• Watch the YouTube channel
• Check out the blog