tantrums on board

[pinuchkin]

We have a 5 yr old with an anxiety disorder. Most of the time she's fine. We are a bit worried about the close confines and crowds, though, and fret that she might get overwhelmed. When she does, she's loud. How/where do you handle upsets on board?

[Julienatul]

Just remove them from wherever you are and take them to a quieter area like a hallway or empty lounge or cabin if you are close by. That is what we do with my son who still has occasional tantrums. Usually he calms down quickly once he is removed, just from the change of scenery and not knowing what to expect next (ie is mom really gonna take me back to the cabin without dinner)

[reallyitsmema]

We have a 5 yr old with an anxiety disorder. Most of the time she's fine. We are a bit worried about the close confines and crowds, though, and fret that she might get overwhelmed. When she does, she's loud. How/where do you handle upsets on board?

You can try to manage the crowds so you aren't in the middle of them as much. Head to the dining room a few minutes after when the doors open. The crowd of people waiting to enter will already be inside. When you go to a show, go early and get your seats. When the show is over, instead of being one of the first to try to get out, look for a less popular door to leave. We usually try to head out a side door that might open to an outside deck instead of getting stuck in the inside corridor and the rush to the elevators.

 

If she does become overwhelmed, just head off in the opposite direction of the crowd until she calms down. Go exploring and distract her. Have her help you look for dolphins until the crowd goes by or go find a favorite something on the ship.

 

Crowds are inevitable but you can avoid them at times. Good luck and enjoy your cruise.

[SadieN]

When the kids were younger I would let them know exactly what was going to happen beforehand. This would usually tone down the anxiety or at least their response.

 

Contact Special Needs for your cruiseline to better manage the situation for the lifeboat drill. We arrive not late but towards the end to prevent being in the back of the crowd.

[Sunshine101]

Try not to worry too much....there are lots of quiet areas to go to where your little one can calm down. A change of scenery, or distraction should work fine, as well as letting her know what is going to happen, like SadieN mentioned. I would bring some coloring and little toys to the table at dinner, or if the girls were too tired, we'd eat in the buffet that evening. Sometimes we'd go to the room in the afternoon for quiet time for the kids. Don't be embarrased if she does have a meltdown - we've all been there, and most people are understanding. Enjoy your cruise!