Tantrums: More Than Meets the Eye

Hey, Ready To Dad Crew!

In This Week’s Newsletter:

• Quote of The Week -

• Javaree Talks -  

• In The News -

• Dad Joke Of The Week -

JAVAREE TALKS 

A tantrum, a regular part of a child’s emotional development, can erupt when you least expect it at the store, during bedtime, or even over something as small as the wrong color cup. For me, this weekend was my son’s first day at karate class. A class I seemed to be more excited about than he was. When tantrums show up, it’s easy to feel frustrated, helpless, or embarrassed. It was reassuring to hear that it’s often like that on the first day of Karate. But here’s the thing: tantrums aren’t about defiance. They’re a sign of an overwhelmed brain struggling to process big emotions.

When your child is in a meltdown, their brain’s “emotional center” has taken control, and the logical reasoning part is temporarily offline. It’s important to realize that they aren’t choosing this reaction; they’re caught in it.

This is where your role as a calm, steady presence becomes so essential. Instead of reacting with anger or frustration, take a moment to pause and respond with empathy. Remember, you are the guide in this situation. A simple reminder can shift your mindset: They aren’t giving me a hard time; they’re having a hard time.

By staying calm, you’re not just diffusing the moment; you’re showing your child how to navigate overwhelming emotions. Your regulated response helps them return to a place of balance and teaches them that feeling big feelings is safe.

Tantrums are tough, but also opportunities to connect with your child. The next time a meltdown strikes, breathe, ground yourself, and remember that your calm presence is the best tool for learning to self-regulate!

Q & A CORNER

Reply directly to this email with your question, or use this quick form to submit anonymously. Whether it’s about family routines, connecting with your kids, or managing stress, I’m here to help!

Let’s tackle parenting together, one question at a time!

GET COACHED

Ready To Dad offers coaching services explicitly tailored for dads with young children.

We help you:

• Discover your core parenting values.

• Learn personalized strategies for growth as a parent.

• Build and maintain a deep connection with your child.

• Establish a self-care and personal growth routine.

We aim to help you feel more fulfilled and confident in your parenting journey.

Reply to this email to book a free consultation when you're ready to work with me!

HERE FOR YOU

If there are specific topics you’d like to see in an upcoming RTD newsletter, reply to this email with your suggestions, and we’ll do our best to include them in future editions.

Did a friend forward this email to you? Subscribe here to ensure you don’t miss future insights and updates.