Tot Meltdown - Library to the Rescue!

In a recent ALSC blog post, Raina Tuakoi shared an idea that her library has implemented to help toddlers and their caregivers  when an unexpected upset occurs.

Raina writes: "The toddler meltdown! We’ve all seen it in the library whether it is in storytime, in the stacks, or at the checkout stations. How can children’s librarians assist little patrons and their adult caregiver in a time of need like this but in a subtle and gentle way? Calming kits! Children’s librarian, Elizabeth Bartholomew and I explored different options of what could be included in calming kits and drew inspiration from elements that we’ve seen on social media, at other libraries, and of course on Pinterest. We wanted to come up with something simple and helpful that young children and adult caregivers could utilize anywhere, not just at the library."

Click here to see what the kits contain and how they are working out. [Calming Kits for Toddlers and Caregivers. Tuakoi, Raina. ALSC blog. November 26, 2023.]