Best Daycare in Carrollton Georgia
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Growing Hearts and Hands
At Growing Hearts and Hands, we believe that every child deserves a nurturing environment where they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated educators are committed to providing personalized learning experiences tailored to each child's unique needs.
Why Choose Growing Heart and Hands?
Customized Learning Plans:
We develop individualized learning plans that cater to your child's specific learning style and pace, ensuring optimal growth and development.
Qualified and Caring Educators:
Our team comprises certified professionals trained in early childhood education, CPR, and first aid, dedicated to fostering a safe and supportive learning environment.
Safe and Engaging Environment:
Our secure facilities are equipped with interactive play areas that encourage exploration and creativity, promoting holistic development.
Give us a call @ (678)601-3067
Schedule a Tour Today
Experience firsthand the vibrant learning community at Growing Hearts and Hands. We invite you to schedule a tour and discover how we can partner with you in your child's educational journey.
Learning for your Pre-Schooler
Three-year-olds are able to solve more and more problems, figure out unique ways to do something, and want to find out why – a lot! Learning Beyond helps you become a strong model, allowing children time to try and work through challenges while you ask important questions or provide support to children’s learning. Children’s skills in all developmental areas grow with these continued opportunities to be actively engaged in their learning and trusted as a learner. Learning Beyond provides quarterly benchmarks to help you stay focused on age-appropriate growth and excited learners.
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What to Do If Kids Get Physical During a Meltdown
What to Do If Kids Get Physical During a Meltdown
Every parent knows that meltdowns happen. But when a child’s big emotions turn physical—hitting, kicking, biting, or throwing—it can feel overwhelming and even scary. It’s easy to assume they’re acting out or trying to be “bad.” In reality, a child who lashes out physically isn’t trying to hurt you—they’re showing you they need help handling emotions that feel too big.
Here’s how to respond in the moment and what you can do long term to help your child build lasting coping skills.
Why Do Kids Get Physical?
When emotions run high, the “thinking brain” (the prefrontal cortex) temporarily shuts down and the “survival brain” (the amygdala) takes over. That’s why children often act with their bodies instead of their words. A shove or a kick isn’t malice—it’s the nervous system crying out for relief.
Add in factors like tiredness, hunger, or sensory overload, and it’s no wonder big feelings sometimes spill over into physical actions.
Steps to Take During a Physical Meltdown
1. Stay Calm and Grounded
Your child’s nervous system feeds off your energy. If you escalate, they escalate. Take a breath, steady yourself, and remember: You are their anchor in the storm.
2. Prioritize Safety
Calmly block hits or kicks if needed, and move any dangerous objects out of reach. If the meltdown is intense, give your child space in a safe environment where neither of you can get hurt.
3. Keep Words Simple
During a meltdown, kids can’t process lectures or long explanations. Stick to short, calm statements:
“I won’t let you hit.”
“You’re safe. I’m here.”
“We’ll talk when you’re calm.”
4. Allow the Storm to Pass
Meltdowns are temporary. Don’t try to reason or discipline in the heat of the moment. Let the emotions move through until your child is ready for comfort.
5. Teach Calming Alternatives Later
Once calm, show safer ways to release big feelings: squeezing a stress ball, stomping feet, hugging a pillow, or practicing deep breaths together. These tools build a child’s emotional “toolbox.”
6. Model Emotional Regulation
Kids learn most from what they see. Show them how you handle stress—take a deep breath, name your feelings, or calmly walk away to reset. By modeling healthy coping, you give them a blueprint to follow.
7. Build Prevention Strategies
Physical meltdowns are less likely when kids feel prepared and supported. Prevention can look like:
Offering choices to give them a sense of control
Keeping routines predictable
Building in downtime between busy activities
Talking about feelings daily so they learn the language of emotions
The Big Picture
A child who gets physical during a meltdown isn’t trying to hurt you. They’re showing you that their emotions are too heavy to carry alone. By staying calm, keeping them safe, and teaching alternatives, you’re not only getting through the moment—you’re giving your child lifelong skills for resilience and self-regulation.
Parenting in these moments isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence, connection, and teaching kids that emotions—even the big, messy ones—can be managed with love and patience.
