All About Meltdowns: Episode 227

In this episode of The Peaceful Parenting Podcast, I speak with Hayden Ahlbrandt, a certified Synergetic Play Therapist. Hayden shares some really helpful thoughts and strategies on both how we can prevent meltdowns and how best to support our child—and ourselves—once we find ourselves with a meltdown on our hands. We focus on connection, co-regulation, mindfulness, and creating safety.

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We talk about:

• 00:00 – Sarah introduces Hayden Ahlbrandt, certified Synergetic Play Therapist. Overview of meltdowns, regulation, and co-regulation
• 05:25 – Viewing behavior through a nervous system lens
• 10:30 – Understanding Meltdowns Through the “Pop Bottle” Analogy
• 12:00 – Why some days kids can handle more than others
• 1:00 – “Regulation Is Connection to Self” – Helping kids discover what naturally regulates them
• 20:00 – Why Regulation Tools Need to be Practiced Outside Meltdowns
• 22:00 – Preventing Meltdowns
• 24:00 – The Three Rs: Regulate, Relate, Reason
• 30:00 – Mindfulness and Co-Regulation
• 32:30 – The Parent’s Nervous System
• 36:00 – Aggression During Meltdowns
• 38:30 – Making the Environment Feel Safer
• 42:00 – Parenting Advice Hayden Wishes He’d Known Earlier

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Download the episode transcript HERE

• Hayden’s website
• Hayden’s IG @lowtideplaytherapist
• Synergetic Play Therapy Institute
• Yoto Player- Screen-Free audiobook player
• The Peaceful Parenting Membership  
• Evelyn & Bobbie bras

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