Now that the kids are back to school, you might find yourself dealing with the dreaded after-school tantrums and meltdowns that can so commonly occur when children are tired from a hard day of learning a lot of new things in the classroom.
Post-school breakdowns are not at all uncommon, especially for younger children who may find it harder to be cooped up in the classroom for long periods of time, but you know what? There are lots of things you, as a parent, can do to make them less likely to occur, as you will see below.
- Snack Attack!
Your kids have been working their brains and bodies pretty hard in the classroom, so it stands to reason that they may be feeling hungry when they get home from school, and you know all too well that hunger can lead to hangriness which can quickly lead to meltdowns. So, before you pick them up, take a little time to prepare a healthy snack like apple slices with peanut butter or some fruit and yoghurt, and feed them as soon as they get in. Hangriness averted!
- The Magic of Downtime
After a day of structured activities, your kids are going to want to have a break from following so many rules. Obviously, this doesn’t mean you should let them run riot because apart from anything else, you’re probably tired from hard day’s work yourself too, but it does mean that you should try to let them play in a more unstructured way, such as letting them free-build whatever they fancy with their Lego or allowing them to doodle without having to stay in the lines or draw anything in particular. This will really help them to decompress and transition from school to home.
- Walk and Talk
Sometimes, the best way to unravel those after-school blues is to get moving. Take a walk around the block, or if you have a dog, let your child lead the way on a walk. Physical activity can help burn off leftover energy, and the change of scenery can act as a “reset” button for a bad mood. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to chat about their day and any issues they’re not bringing up at the dinner table.
- Homework Hygge
Homework doesn’t have to be a battlefield if you don’t want it to be. In fact, if you create a cosy and inviting homework area, with comfy chairs and all of the cool stationery supplies they will need, then they will find it easier to get their work done. Even better, sit down and join them while they work – they’ll love that.
- Engage in Brain Games
Who said learning can’t be fun? Incorporate educational games into the evening routine to mix things up in a way that is as relaxing as it is brain boosting. For example, a family crossword session can be a fantastic way to wind down and engage with words and world knowledge together. It’s a subtle way to extend their learning while also spending quality time together.
- Chill Out with Chores
Believe it or not, chores can be a decompression tool. Simple tasks like sorting laundry or setting the table give children a sense of responsibility and accomplishment. It also helps to make chores a predictable part of their routine, which can be comforting in its regularity.
- Talk it Out
Communication is key, but straight-up asking “How was your day?” might get you a monosyllabic grunt at best. Try creative conversation starters like, “Tell me something funny that happened today,” or “Did anything make you feel really smart today?” This not only opens up dialogue but also steers it towards positive reflections or constructive discussions about their day.
- Artistic Unwind
Encourage artistic expression as a way to decompress. Whether it’s painting, crafting, or playing music, art can be a powerful outlet for emotions that they might not be able to express in words. Plus, it’s a great way for kids to develop their creative talents.
- Tech Time-Out
While it might be tempting to let screens do the soothing, try to resist the lure of the digital pacifier. Too much screen time can lead to a whole new set of mood swings. Set clear limits and stick to them. Maybe introduce screen time as a reward after more interactive, calming activities have helped them transition from school mode to home mode.
- Journal Journey
Encourage your child to keep a journal where they can jot down their thoughts, doodle, or even stick in some photos or scraps from their day. Journaling is a great way for children to process emotions and events in a safe, private space. It’s also a subtle way to enhance writing skills and emotional intelligence. You could make this more engaging by having themed journal days, like “Madcap Monday” for writing about the silliest thing they saw or “Thankful Thursday” to note things they were grateful for that week.
- Reading Retreat
Create a cosy reading nook in your home where your child can unwind with a book after school. Make this space inviting with cushions, good lighting, and access to a variety of books. Reading not only helps children relax but also builds vocabulary and comprehension skills in an enjoyable way. You can make this time special by occasionally reading together or discussing a book you both are reading.
- Pet Projects
If you have pets, involve your child in their care after school. Whether it’s walking the dog, feeding a cat, or cleaning out a hamster cage, taking care of animals can teach responsibility and offer a comforting, nurturing routine. The unconditional love from pets can also be a great mood booster for kids.
- Yoga Zones
Introduce your child to yoga by setting up a “yoga zone” in your living room. There are many child-friendly yoga videos online that teach basic poses and routines. Yoga can help children improve their flexibility and balance, but it’s also fantastic for mental relaxation and stress relief. This could be a fun way to stretch out those school-day stresses together.
- Puzzle Pieces
Work on a large puzzle as a family. This can be a relaxing and brain-boosting activity to do in the quiet hours after school. Puzzles are excellent for teaching problem-solving and critical thinking skills. They also require patience and attention to detail, helping children develop concentration. Set up a puzzle board in a common area where anyone can add a few pieces whenever they feel like it. It’s a wonderful way to build a project together as a family and enjoy the satisfaction of completing it.
- Nature Notebook
Encourage your children to start a “Nature Notebook” where they can document plants, insects, and animals they observe in your backyard or nearby parks. Each entry can include drawings, descriptions, and interesting facts learned. This activity combines outdoor exploration with scientific observation, helping children develop a keen eye for detail and a deeper appreciation for the environment.
- Drama Club at Home
Set up a mini drama club where your kids can write scripts, create costumes, and perform. This could be as simple as reenacting scenes from their favorite books or movies, or as elaborate as creating original plays. Acting helps children express themselves, boosts their confidence, and enhances their understanding of narrative and character development. Plus, it’s a fantastic way for the family to bond and engage in creative storytelling together.
- Routine Rules
Last, but not least, you need to try and remember that consistency is comforting for your kids. When they know exactly what they will be doing from the moment they get home until the time they go to bed, they will probably be a lot less stressed and a lot less likely to argue or tantrum when they are asked to do something, whether it be their homework, eating dinner or having a bath. So, take the time to create a routine that really makes them feel secure.
Here’s to fewer post-school meltdowns for your kids, which means a more relaxing evening for you too!