Why your child melts down over “nothing”

I want to share something that may shift the way you see your kid forever.

Have you ever noticed how your child can seem perfectly fine one minute…
and then the next minute they're having a meltdown?!?

A tiny frustration, the wrong color cup, a zipper stuck, a dropped snack - leads to a complete emotional explosion?

Here’s why.

Small problems don’t create big emotions.
Overwhelm does.

Kids collect stress silently throughout the day:

• transitions
• loud noises
• uncertainty
• being corrected
• social pressure
• fear of doing something wrong
• sensory overload
• missing you when they’re away
• watching adults rush around
• not understanding what you’re asking

Then one small moment becomes the spark that lights the whole emotional pile.

Not because they’re dramatic.
Because they’re drowning.

This is survival mode.

In survival mode, the emotional brain takes over and the thinking brain shuts down.
Logic doesn’t work. Lectures don’t work.
Even calm correction don't work.

What DOES work?

Safety.
Connection.
Presence.
Understanding.

Here’s something to practice today:

When the meltdown starts, focus on calming your kid before correcting them.

Say something like:
“I see this is hard for you. I’m right here.”

This sends a message to their nervous system:
“You’re safe.”

Tomorrow, I’ll show you something deeper...
how YOUR childhood shapes the way you respond to these moments.

Talk to you soon,
Devin Trent

Action step:

Pay attention today: notice one moment where your child’s reaction feels bigger than the situation.