Pocket Calm: A Dignity Kit for Public Meltdowns

This episode gives parents a short, practical toolkit they can carry and use the moment a public outing escalates. I open by naming the heat, embarrassment and biological surge that make public meltdowns so hard, then introduce the Pocket Calm: three tiny, evidence‑informed items (sensory anchor, micro‑distraction, low‑profile safety prop), three age‑adapted gentle prompts, and a simple two‑minute rehearsal parents can practice tonight. Unique elements: a modeled 30‑second guest micro‑clip from a therapist that demonstrates tone and pacing, and a downloadable two‑item packing checklist for easy adoption. I offer neurodiversity and language accessibility notes, culturally adaptable scripts, and clear boundaries about when to seek professional help. The episode is strengths‑based, pragmatic and designed to preserve dignity for child and parent while creating a shared language that reduces panic. Close includes a brief grounding cue and a subscribe CTA inviting listeners to try the two‑minute rehearsal tonight.