What If It’s Not a Tantrum?

A free guide to decoding the meltdown and responding with confidence.

Your child is yelling on the floor, and you're wondering what just happened.
It feels like a tantrum. But what if it's something else entirely?

This short, practical guide will help you under why what you see might actually be sensory overload, an emotional crash, or a stress response.

You’ll get:

  • Understanding of why the word ‘tantrum’ isn’t helpful to anyone

  • Key questions to ask before jumping to “behavior”

  • Strategies to help your child (and yourself) in the moment

Perfect for parents of toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary kids - especially if things get loud after a long day.

The content shared on Growing in Play is for educational and informational purposes only. While I’m a licensed pediatric occupational therapist, this newsletter and blog are not a substitute for individualized medical or therapeutic advice. Nothing here constitutes the provision of occupational therapy services or creates a client-therapist relationship.

If you have concerns about your child’s development, behavior, or sensory needs, please consult your pediatrician or a qualified healthcare professional in your area. Every child is unique - and getting personalized support is always a good idea.