A Scout is upset and acting out. Is the Scout having a tantrum or a meltdown? Many parents and leaders use these terms interchangeably but they are different behaviors that require different approaches. Here’s how to tell one type of behavior from the other.

A Tantrum

What it is:

• It is an angry or frustrated outburst.
• The Scout might yell, cry, lash out, and hold their breath.
• The Scout typically has some control over their behavior during a tantrum.
• The behavior tends to stop when the Scout gets what he or she wants, but tantrums can become overwhelming and evolve into meltdowns.

What triggers it:

• A desire to get something, to avoid something, or to elicit a specific reaction.
• Frustration.
• Sudden changes in routine or expectations.
• Not being able to communicate needs and wants.

Signs you may notice:

• You know what the Scout wants or is reacting to.
• The Scout is choosing to engage in the behavior.
• The Scout pays some attention to what’s going on around her or him.
• The Scout watches other people’s reactions and adjusts the behavior to match it.
• The Scout may be trying to bargain for a solution while yelling.
• Behavior ends once the Scout gets what he or she wants or realizes that acting out won’t work.

A Meltdown

What it is:

• It is a reaction to feeling overwhelmed.
• The Scout might yell, cry, lash out, run away or shut down and withdraw.
• The Scout cannot control their behavior during a meltdown.
• The behavior tends to stop when the Scout wears themself out or when there’s a change in the amount of sensory input they are experiencing.

What triggers it:

• Sensory, information, or emotional overload.
• Intense frustration.
• Sudden changes in routine or expectations.
• Not being able to communicate needs and wants.

Signs you may notice:

• You may not know what the Scout wants or is reacting to.
• The Scout doesn’t seem to have control over their behavior and appears panicky.
• The Scout is shutting down or trying to escape.
• The Scout can’t process what’s going on around them.
• The Scout doesn’t respond to people’s reactions or attempts to talk to him or her.
• The Scout loses the ability to problem-solve and negotiate solutions.
• The Scout needs time to calm down and recover, even after a situation has been resolved.