As an outsider witnessing a meltdown I remind myself I don’t know that family or child and to not judge but rather be empathetic. If there is a small way to help I try to. As the one inside the meltdown I remind myself of the same thing. I don’t need to explain what’s happening to deflect the judging eyes. Once I start explaining it feels like I am assuming blame (or my child is) or it’s shameful somehow when it’s not. The only time I explain is for educational purposes and only in groups we frequent.