Meltdowns don’t happen often. I feel lucky that they are few and far between. But they do happen. And they are the parenting moments that I cannot seem to shake off, no matter how much time passes. 
Last year, my son, Norrin, had a major public meltdown on a JetBlue flight. And even though it was many months ago, whenever I think about it – it brings back all the feelings I felt that morning.
Before, During & After a Meltdown in 22 GIFs
It’ll be fine. I’m prepared. I got this.
We are not “new” autism parents. It’s been years since Norrin’s diagnosis. We’ve read books and worked with therapists. I like to think that we’re always able to work through it.
Wait…Is this really happening?
And then it’s like, no girl…you don’t really got this. When a real deal meltdown happens, it catches me by surprise.
And I’m in total disbelief.
Let the bargaining begin.
I offer everything I can think of to calm him down. Do you want your iPad? Tickles? A piece of gum?
And maybe I beg a little bit (it’s been known to work sometimes).
When nothing works, I’m confused.
No. Seriously. Is this really happening?
I try not to, but I get frustrated.
I’m not perfect. I’m human. I’m a mom and sometimes it’s hard.
I feel helpless.
And I feel like a failure.
Because how can I not know how to comfort my kid?
If I’m being honest, during those public moments, I feel embarrassed.
Remember…I’m human. And people will judge. They see a kid acting up and it’s easy to blame the parent for not being able to handle their kid.
And I want to cry.
But instead, I close my eyes and try to calm myself down. And sometimes I even say a little prayer.
That’s usually the moment I stop caring about what other people think.
But I mentally prepare myself in case someone says something slick to me about my kid.
I accept there’s no getting through to my kid during a meltdown. All I can do is ride out the storm.
And I let my mind wander for a bit…
Because sometimes this helps after a long day.
Also…I want to collapse because a meltdown is physically, mentally and emotionally exhausting.
Then, just as quickly as it started, it’s over. And you can breathe.
And then my kid is back to his happy self – chatting up a storm like a major meltdown didn’t just happen.
How do you feel after your kid has a major meltdown?
Girl I think every parent goes thru this! It’s this crazy thing we call life so Chica, you are not alone!! Btw, love the wine glass! Lol
Oh my goodness. This is IT. Exactly. Perfectly captured. In GIFs that make me feel better. We are lucky that we don’t have that many and I’m usually good about keeping triggers (hunger! overstimulation!) in check. But even at home when Bear is hungry and trying to do Common Core math I’m feeling almost all those feels.
But yeah, 10 minutes later I’m still a weepy mess and he’s back to quoting ‘Inside Out’.
Thank you so much for sharing this – it made me feel a little less….crummy about his last one today.