Transforming After-School Meltdowns into a Joyful Journey at Home
Jordan LangdonTransitioning from school to home can be a challenging time for both parents and children. It's common to witness after-school meltdowns as children, exhausted from a full day of learning, struggle to shift gears. However, this transition can be made smoother and more enjoyable with some simple strategies.
Firstly, it's important to understand the psychology behind these meltdowns. Attending school can be physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausting for children. From waking up early, to dealing with academic pressures and social interactions, it's no surprise that by the time they return home, they're quick to fall apart. They're not being difficult—they're simply overwhelmed.
The good news is, that with a few practical changes in the afternoon routine, we can help children cope with these overwhelming feelings. Begin with a simple greeting and a hug or a high five as a way to connect and provide emotional space from the school day. Avoid peppering them with questions right after school and allow them to decompress and tune out a little bit on the drive home.Another critical tip is to make snacks a priority. Hunger can quickly lead to a meltdown. Plan those after-school snacks in advance and consider offering meal foods instead of sugary carbs. This will not only satisfy their hunger but also provide them with the necessary nutrients.
Next, prioritize downtime. Kids need time to unwind and engage in free play. Over-scheduling children can lead to burnout. After-school routines should include some amount of time for kids to unwind and engage in free play. Play a simple board game or a card game that takes just a few minutes. This helps ease kids from the overwhelming feelings that the end of the day brings and into a calmer state of mind.
Being present is another key strategy. Children are intuitive and can sense when we are disconnected. Make a commitment to put your phone down and attend to your child when they return from school.
Finally, create a set homework routine. Prevent homework feuds by setting up a clutter-free spot to work and try to do the homework at the same time each day. This consistency helps kids know what to expect and can significantly reduce after-school stress.
In addition to these tips, we recommend decreasing screen time in the evenings to help with better sleep and overall mood. Establishing an engaging after-school routine that keeps your kids hooked without the use of screens not only helps them develop healthier habits but also aids in building their confidence.
We recommend our screen-free tool, the Best Me I Can Be journal. It's a great activity to do together each evening to bond and also build up their confidence and their courage.
We also encourage parents to join our online parent community, the Thrive Community by Families of Character.
The transition from school to home doesn't have to be a battleground. With a few minor adjustments, you can help prevent those after-school meltdowns and create a nurturing environment for your children to thrive. Remember, you've got this!
