Meaning of meltdown referred to children

Hi,

I have a doubt about the meaning of "meltdown" when referred to children, as
in the contexts below.

In one dictionary, I've found the definition of meltdown as "extremely angry
state", in another as "emotional breakdown" or also as "breakdown of
self-control".

I thought meltdown might be like a "temper tantrum" (which in one part of
the book is described as a child MELTING into a puddle of tearful,
inarticulate rage). Yet, the first of the following sentences seems to
suggest that there is a difference (they say "tantrums OR
meltdowns".).What's your opinion?

1) An older sibling who is 5 or 6 years old may not express his resentment
and frustration through tantrums or meltdowns; instead, he may devise ways
to attract your attention by spilling things, falling, needing your help
with homework, and so on.

2) At the same time, the younger child is able to set off a meltdown in her
older brother more easily now, too. She becomes aware of his sensitive spots
and she is all too likely to want to play on them. As he becomes more and
more aware of his aggressive feelings, he becomes more upset about how close
to losing control he can be.

3) But she also needs to know that her parents are still available to her,
even after a screaming meltdown, to soothe her, to help her learn to soothe
herself, to reassure her that one day she will get these blow-ups under
control

Thank you very much for your help!

Alberto




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