Understanding Why Children’s Meltdowns Happen (Free Parenting Class)

Presenter:
Presenter:
Jen Pla, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
Jen Pla, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
Date: March 12th, 2025
Time: 12pm-12:45pm PST
Location: Zoom
Custom Gift: Free Behavior Chart for attendees
Cost: Free
Spots: 25
What It’s About
Meltdowns and tantrums can feel overwhelming, leaving parents frustrated and unsure of how to help their child regain control. Whether your child is crying, screaming, or completely shutting down, these behaviors are not random acts of defiance but a way for children to express emotions they don’t yet have the tools to manage. Understanding why these meltdowns happen is the first step to preventing them and responding with confidence.
In this class, you’ll learn:
✔️ The difference between tantrums and sensory meltdowns
✔️ The common triggers that lead to outbursts and how to reduce them
✔️ Strategies to help your child self-regulate emotions
✔️ How to remain calm and in control while supporting your child
We will explore science-backed techniques that help children feel safe, understood, and capable of managing their emotions over time. You’ll discover proactive strategies to prevent meltdowns before they start, as well as calming techniques to use in the moment.
This class is ideal for parents of toddlers and young children (ages 1-5), parents of children with autism, ADHD, and other unique needs, single parents, co-parents, and educators who want to create a more peaceful and connected home.
As a bonus, attendees will receive a Free Behavior Chart to reinforce positive habits, encourage self-regulation, and support emotional growth at home.
With the right strategies, you can help your child navigate big emotions while staying calm and confident as a parent. Sign up today and take the first step toward transforming tantrums into teachable moments!
What to Expect
Below is the class outline and what you can expect to learn through attending
-
Understanding Why Tantrums Happen
- Learn how toddler brain development impacts emotional regulation.
- Identify the difference between tantrums and sensory meltdowns.
- Recognize common tantrum triggers, such as transitions, frustration, and overstimulation.
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Recognizing Early Warning Signs of a Tantrum
- Discover subtle cues that signal frustration before a meltdown.
- Learn how to intervene early to redirect emotions.
- Understand how to support your child’s needs before escalation.
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Proactive Strategies to Prevent Tantrums
- Establish structured routines to create predictability.
- Offer choices to give children a sense of control.
- Use calming techniques like breathing exercises and sensory tools.
-
Responding to Frustration Before It Becomes a Tantrum
- Stay calm and model emotional regulation.
- Use positive reinforcement to encourage self-soothing behaviors.
- Guide children through big emotions with supportive language.
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Encouraging Long-Term Emotional Growth
- Teach emotional regulation skills using play, books, and role-playing.
- Implement positive discipline strategies that foster cooperation.
- Receive a Free Reward Chart to reinforce emotional development and positive behavior.
Who Should Attend
This parenting class is for all parents and educators looking to better understand and manage meltdowns and tantrums, including:
- Parents of toddlers and young children (ages 1-5) who want effective, science-backed strategies to handle emotional outbursts.
- Parents of children with autism, ADHD, and other unique needs who require specialized approaches to emotional regulation.
- Single parents managing tantrums without additional support at home.
- Co-parents looking for consistent strategies to help their child across different households.
- Educators and caregivers working with young children and seeking better ways to support emotional development.
My Gift to You
*for attendees only
All attendees will receive a tailored resource designed to help reinforce the concepts taught in the class, so you can immediately apply what you’ve learned in a meaningful way. The goal is to provide you with something practical you can take with you and use right away.
Depending on the class topic, your gift may include:
- Printables to support structured routines and positive behavior.
- Behavior charts, reward charts, and sticker charts to encourage cooperation and reinforce good habits.
- Potty training charts to help guide your child through the process with consistency.
- Parenting printables and educational resources designed to promote emotional regulation, communication, and positive discipline.
- Parenting guides with expert-backed strategies to help you navigate common challenges with confidence.
Each gift is intentionally selected to align with the skills and techniques covered in the class, making it easier for you to implement what you’ve learned. Whether it’s a visual tool, structured plan, or step-by-step guide, you’ll walk away with a valuable resource you can start using immediately to create a calmer, more connected home.
About the Presenter
Jen Pla, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
Hi! I'm a Family Alignment Coach with 24+ years of experience guiding parents through the challenges and joys of raising children. I combine my experience in behavior analysis, education and meditation to create personalized parenting plans that help families connect, communicate more effectively and co-create a life they love. When I'm not supporting families, you'll find me hiking, camping, meditating, or practicing yoga at my local studio in Encinitas, California.
Jen Pla, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
Hi! I'm a Family Alignment Coach with 24+ years of experience guiding parents through the challenges and joys of raising children. I combine my experience in behavior analysis, education and meditation to create personalized parenting plans that help families connect, communicate more effectively and co-create a life they love. When I'm not supporting families, you'll find me hiking, camping, meditating, or practicing yoga at my local studio in Encinitas, California.
Hear What Other Parents Have to Say






RSVP Information
After you RSVP below, you will receive an email with the Zoom link to attend the class at the scheduled date and time. We try to schedule our classes during typical lunch breaks, so you can join from the comfort of your home, car, or anywhere that fits your schedule, making it easy to participate without disrupting your day.
To ensure a stress-free and private learning experience, your video and audio will remain off throughout the session. At the end of the class, we will host a live Q&A session, where you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions via the chat feature and receive guidance in a comfortable, distraction-free environment.
Please note that this class will be recorded, and by RSVPing, you acknowledge and consent to being part of the recording. The recording may be used for educational purposes, marketing, or future course content. Any chat questions or participant interactions included in the recording will remain anonymous.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Jen@alignedfamilies.com. If you’d like to invite a partner, friend, or relative, please forward this link so they can register separately. Each participant will need to RSVP individually to attend the class.
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