Parent Tips - What to Do (and What Not to Do) When Your Child Has a Temper Tantrum in Public

Fun Breathing Techniques That Help Turn Meltdowns Into Moments of Connection

---

We’ve all been there—your child is overwhelmed, emotions are running high, and the meltdown happens… in the middle of the grocery store, at a restaurant, or in the park. It’s loud, messy, and stressful for everyone involved.

At Cresthill Academy, Northern New Jersey's top-rated preschool and daycare (with new locations in development in NJ and NYC!), we understand that emotional control is one of the most precious attributes children can develop in early childhood—and it starts with you. That's why we're going to give you our top tips and tricks for maintaining your child's calm when they throw a tantrum in a public place. From what not to do to successful fun breathing exercises, this guide has got you covered through the storm.

Listen to Mr. Adrian: How to handle tantrums in public?

Follow for more

❌ What Not to Do During a Public Tantrum

Let's talk about a few things that can make tantrums worse before we get into what works:

Don't match their anger with your own.

Getting angry and yelling back will only fuel the situation, rather than de-escalating it.

Don’t ignore their feelings.

Brushing off big emotions can make children feel misunderstood, which often leads to more acting out.

Don’t stress about being judged.

Most parents around you have experienced this before. Your priority is your child’s well-being, not public perception.

✅ What To Do: Stay Grounded and Create Safety

When your child loses control, they’re counting on you to be the calm in the storm.

Validate Their Feelings

Start by acknowledging that they're feeling:

“I see that you’re upset. It’s okay to feel that way. Let’s take a deep breath together.”

This helps your child feel seen and supported, laying the foundation for emotional learning.

Stay Low and Soften Your Voice

Lower yourself to their eye level and speak calmly. This communicates safety

and care. It also helps them feel less overwhelmed and more open to connection. 🌬️ Make Breathing Exercises Fun (Yes, Even in Public)

Let’s face it—telling a crying toddler to “take a deep breath” doesn’t always work. That’s why we incorporate playful, imaginative breathing techniques into our daily routines at Cresthill Academy—and we encourage parents to use them too!

Here are some tried-and-true favorites that can turn a tense moment into a teachable (and even fun) one:

🎈 Balloon Belly

“Let’s blow up a big balloon in our belly!”

Inhale through the nose while sticking the belly out like a balloon.

Exhale slowly while pretending the balloon is deflating.

Use your hands to mimic the balloon growing and shrinking.

🧠 Why it works: Kids engage their imagination, making it easier to focus on their breath and slow down their heart rate.

🐉 Dragon Breaths

“Let’s be dragons and blow out our fire!”

Inhale through the nose.

Exhale through the mouth with a big “whoosh” sound.

Ask your child to pick their dragon’s fire color!

🧠 Why it works: It gives your child a fun and expressive outlet for big feelings, while still encouraging calm breathing.

🧁 Smell the Cupcake, Blow Out the Candle

“Smell your favorite cupcake… now blow out the candle!”

Pretend to hold a cupcake in one hand and a candle in the other.

Inhale deeply to “smell” the cupcake.

Exhale slowly to “blow” out the candle.

🧠 Why it works: This visualization is relatable and comforting, making it easier for children to engage.

Why Meeting Tantrums With Calm Matters

When children are emotionally overwhelmed, their brains shift into “fight or flight” mode. Logic goes out the window, and connection becomes the priority. By responding with calmness, you:

Teach by example how to manage big emotions

Help regulate your child’s nervous system

Strengthen your bond through emotional safety

At Cresthill Academy, we build social-emotional learning into our daily classroom environments because we know that empathy, self-regulation, and communication are just as important as ABCs and 123s.

❤️ You’re Not Alone—We’re Growing With You

Tantrums are a normal part of childhood development—and how we respond can shape our children’s emotional intelligence for years to come. At Cresthill Academy, we support families through every phase of early childhood with loving teachers, structured environments, and evidence-based emotional tools that truly work. Parenting tips like these help you and your child navigate challenges and grow together peacefully!

Whether you’re in the snack aisle

or at the park, remember: take a deep breath (or a dragon breath), get down to your child’s level, and meet their meltdown with mindfulness.

Because calm is contagious—and connection is the goal.

📍 Looking for a Preschool or Daycare That Supports Emotional Growth?

With locations across Northern New Jersey and more opening soon in NJ and NYC, Cresthill Academy offers a nurturing environment where your child’s emotional and academic development are our top priorities.

📞 Call today or visit our website to schedule a tour and learn more.

Schedule a Tour