julierose24
New Member
I wanted to start a new post about what to do during a meltdown in case anyone was interested. My daughter's therapist said that she thinks I should set the timer for 6 minutes (she's 6 years old), and put her in her room and hold the door closed. Then after the 6 minutes, let her know that her time out is over and she can come out (even if she isn't calm yet). If she chooses to continue hitting or destroying things, she goes in for another 6 minutes, etc. for a new time out.
I like this approach -hopefully, she won't hurt herself by kicking the door during that time (that's my concern).
It's only been once, but we tried it today, and she did calm herself and come out after the 6 mintues.
Things I've tried in the past include: holding the door closed until she calms down (didn't happen), ignoring her (she followed us around and hit/kicked us while destroying the house), restraining her (I hated it), sitting in her room against the door so she couldn't hit/kick the door and hurt herself (she threw things at me).
Just wanted to share in case anyone was interested.
I like this approach -hopefully, she won't hurt herself by kicking the door during that time (that's my concern).
It's only been once, but we tried it today, and she did calm herself and come out after the 6 mintues.
Things I've tried in the past include: holding the door closed until she calms down (didn't happen), ignoring her (she followed us around and hit/kicked us while destroying the house), restraining her (I hated it), sitting in her room against the door so she couldn't hit/kick the door and hurt herself (she threw things at me).
Just wanted to share in case anyone was interested.