Tantrum of the Week

Does your child completely melt down when it’s time to turn off the screen and start homework? You’re not alone. In this episode of Tantrum of the Week , child therapist and parent coach Lynn McLean breaks down a common screen time tantrum many parents of elementary-aged children face. When a child refuses to give up their device—and emotions explode—it can leave parents feeling frustrated, guilty...

Does your kid lose it when it's time to turn off the screen? You're not alone. Your 8-year-old did everything right. Homework's done, chores are finished, and you set clear expectations. But the moment dinner's ready and it's time to put down the phone? Full-blown tantrum. Sound familiar? Whether you're dealing with a strong-willed child, a kid who won't stop pla...

In this episode of Tantrum of the Week , Lynn McLean explores a powerful and emotional moment many families experience: a nine-year-old who melts down when a long-anticipated family dinner plan is canceled at the last minute because of work. Even though older children can understand the reason intellectually, broken plans can feel like broken promises—and the disappointment can overwhelm their abi...

Episode 8: Sibling Bedtime Battles In this episode of Tantrum of the Week , Lynn McLean talks about a bedtime struggle many families face: a young child who melts down because an older sibling gets to stay up later. What feels like a small difference to adults—just 30 minutes—can feel deeply unfair and overwhelming to a young child. When nightly tantrums take over bedtime, parents are often left e...

What do you do when your child clearly broke something—but insists they didn’t? In this episode of Tantrum of the Week , Lynn talks about a common parenting moment: a seven-year-old who breaks something and then denies it, even when the evidence is right in front of everyone. Moments like this can feel especially upsetting for parents, because teaching honesty and trust is one of the most importan...

Podcast Description Going back to school after a break can be surprisingly hard — for kids and parents. In this episode of Tantrum of the Week , we talk about what’s really going on when a 5–8 year old who was doing great suddenly melts down over socks, hair brushing, and getting out the door. If your child seems more emotional, anxious, or resistant after a school break, you’re not alone. We expl...

Why Do I Have to Share? In this episode of Tantrum of the Week , Lynn McLean explores a common and exhausting parenting moment: a four-year-old who melts down when a younger sibling picks up a toy they weren’t even using. When screaming, grabbing, or pushing happens, parents are often left wondering how to stop the behavior and teach important lessons about sharing, generosity, and turn-taking. Th...

A police dad says no to a sleepover without parents home, and a ten-year-old explodes. We show how to hold a firm safety rule, calm the storm, and offer choices that protect connection without caving. • law enforcement as a distinct family culture shaping safety rules • why tweens crave belonging and autonomy at sleepovers • de-escalation first: pause, breathe, lower words • reflect feelings inste...

We unpack a real bilingual dinner blow-up and show how calm presence, simple scripts, and playful rituals can turn pressure into connection. We honor cultural pride while giving kids tools to switch languages without shame or meltdown. • Co-regulation first: breathe, pause, ensure safety • Reflect feelings instead of asking “why” questions • Understand language switching as cognitive load • Notice...

Does your child melt down when it’s time to leave, stop playing, or switch activities? Child therapist and parent coach Lynn McLean shares why transitions are tough for kids — and how to make them easier with empathy and structure. Transitions can overwhelm children who struggle with flexibility and emotional regulation. This episode breaks down what’s happening and how to help. You’ll learn: The...

Does your child fight, cry, or explode when it’s time to do chores? Child therapist and parent coach Lynn McLean explains why kids resist chores — and how to handle those “I don’t want to!” moments with calm, confidence, and connection. Chores can trigger power struggles, but tantrums often mean your child needs more structure, support, or control. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why children resis...

Why do tantrums happen — and how can you stop them without yelling or giving in? In this first episode of Tantrum of the Week , Play Therapist Lynn McLean helps parents understand what’s really behind children’s meltdowns — and how to respond with calm, connection, and confidence. Tantrums aren’t just “bad behavior.” They’re a signal that your child’s emotions are bigger than their coping skills....

When your child melts down at the grocery store checkout over candy, what should you do?   Play Therapist Lynn McLean breaks down the “no candy” tantrum and shares calm, practical strategies to handle public meltdowns with confidence. Public tantrums are one of the most stressful moments for parents — but they don’t have to derail your day. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why grocery store tantr...