Why Toddlers Meltdown at Family Gatherings — And What Parents Can Do Differently

Holiday dinners… birthdays… Sunday lunches… Family gatherings can be wonderful—until your toddler completely falls apart the moment you walk through the door. In this powerful clip, toddler expert Devon Kuntzman (Transforming Toddlerhood) explains why toddlers struggle so much in busy family environments and what parents can do to support them with more compassion, confidence, and calm. You’ll learn: ✨ Why shy or slow-to-warm toddlers become overwhelmed in large groups ✨ The REAL reason behind whining, big emotions, and “I don’t like you!” ✨ Why logic (“You need to wait for dessert”) doesn’t work in these moments ✨ How to meet your child where they are emotionally ✨ The beautiful “bridge metaphor” for building cooperation ✨ How to shift from power struggles to connection ✨ Simple strategies to reduce meltdowns before they even start Devon helps us understand that big behaviors are communication, not defiance—and when we meet toddlers with empathy and appropriate boundaries, we can transform the entire experience. If family gatherings leave you drained or ashamed, this clip will give you clarity, confidence, and truly helpful tools. About Devon Kuntzman Devon is the founder of Transforming Toddlerhood, an ICF-certified coach, and the original toddler-parenting expert on Instagram. She supports thousands of families through courses, workshops, and her bestselling book: Transforming Toddlerhood: How to Handle Tantrums, End Power Struggles & Raise Resilient Kids Without Losing Your Mind Find her on Instagram: @transformingtoddlerhood