I've been struggling with my two year old over the last few days, and I think it's down to the hot weather we've been having. He's been having similar meltdowns to those that he has when he is tired or hungry, although in this case it seems almost impossible to calm him. It's made me think about how we need to remember these things and try to take them into account when dealing with our children. If your child is acting up because their blood sugar is low, that is not their fault (even if they did refuse the lovingly prepared dinner you just made them). So this seems common sense, but I think if they are tired or hungry then it makes less sense to pursue any avenue of punishment (and in fact, it seems they are more likely to kick back and so the situation escalates until the punishment far outweighs any original misbehaviour) - just state the expected behaviour, and move on.
Of course there are times when this approach is inappropriate - if they are being destructive, for example, and this is where the principle of using respectful discipline comes into its own. Calm the situation, remove anything which is becoming a hazard or which is likely to get damaged (usually it is easier to remove the object than the child) if you need to remove the child, a change of scene sometimes helps to calm them down as well. If you do need them to sit and calm down, I would stay with a younger child, and ask an older one if they want you to stay or not. An opportunity to calm down needn't be a punishment - if they need your help in doing so, then your presence will make it all the more effective.
