Episode 14: When Nothing Calms Your Child Down: What Do You Do Next?

You tried deep breathing, the calm-down corner, sensory tools, counting, choices, and your most patient parenting voice...but your child is still completely overwhelmed. What are you supposed to do when none of the strategies seem to work?In this episode of Notes Due at Midnight, pediatric occupational therapist Casey Openshaw explains why children cannot always access familiar coping skills during a meltdown. She shares practical ways to prioritize safety, reduce stimulation, use fewer words, maintain necessary boundaries, and support recovery without trying to force calm.Sometimes success isn’t stopping the meltdown. Sometimes it’s getting through the moment safely, reconnecting afterward, and trying again tomorrow.