How to Stay Calm When Your Child Isn’t

Based on the Positive Discipline approach by Dr. Jane Nelsen

Hi, I’m Dr. Kristi Briscoe.
When your ADHD child is melting down, yelling back feels instinctual. But your calm is their anchor—and the only part of the situation you can control.

Here’s how to find it:

1. Take a pause — Step away for 60 seconds if needed.
2. Use a mantra — Try “This is not an emergency.”
3. Repair after rupture — If you lose your cool, apologize and reconnect.

You’re human. So is your child. Calm is a practice, not a personality trait—and every time you model it, you’re teaching something powerful.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not diagnose or treat any condition. Please seek help from a qualified mental health professional if you or a loved one is struggling.