After-School Restraint Collapse is real. Here's how to deal, Mama.
Have you heard these myths about after-school meltdowns?
Myth 1: After-school meltdowns are just bad behavior.
Myth 2: After-school meltdowns are the same as any other tantrums.
Myth 3: Kids have meltdowns to manipulate their parents.
The constant struggle to manage your child's emotional release after a long day at school, only to be met with resistance and meltdowns, can be emotionally draining.
We’re revealing the truth about after-school meltdowns that will change the way you handle them. Listen to learn how to survive your child’s after-school restraint collapse.
Who's "We"?
Jenny GK is an experienced assistant principal and a parent who understands the challenges of managing after-school meltdowns. Caitlin K is a former middle school teacher and 3rd-grade parent who has experience with meltdowns of every type.
Their combined expertise in education and relatable parenting experiences mean they have valuable insights on how to support children's emotional release after a long day at school. Get ready to gain actionable tips and empathetic guidance from CK & GK to navigate those post-school hours with ease.
Key Takeaways:
Understand your child's behavior after school and how to best support them.
Learn how to support your child through after-school restraint collapse and promote positive emotional release.
Gain valuable tips for a smooth transition into this school year, setting you and your child up for success.
Listen Here
Managing After-School Restraint Collapse
Understanding after-school restraint collapse requires parents to recognize children's need to decompress after holding back emotions and energy during the school day. Allowing children to release pent-up emotions—in a positive way and without intervention—can prevent meltdowns from escalating, promoting both self-awareness and a healthier emotional release process.
3 Things to Know About After-School Restraint Collapse
It's not a regular tantrum. It's a Mount Vesuvius-esque eruption and meltdown.
Your child isn't trying to manipulate you. This isn't about trying to get their way. It is about finally being able to release pent-up emotions from the day.
You can't necessarily prevent it, but you can manage it and help your child through it.
Effective After-School Meltdown Solutions
Parents can create a safe space for children to express their emotions by setting boundaries to limit the duration of meltdowns. Providing structured debrief times allows for open communication about the day's experiences and emotions, fostering a supportive environment for children's emotional release.
Start by making sure biological needs are met: food, water, and rest.
We recommend putting family-approved snacks and drinks in a pre-determined, child-accessible location. Set guidelines (ex: “one juice box only + water if you're still thirsty, one fruit, one bag of cheese crackers”) and then let your child choose and be responsible for the after-school hanger.
As for rest, remember that this looks different for kids, just like it does for adults. Which of these helps your child feel rested and refreshed?
Free play on a playground
Quiet time reading, coloring, etc.
Screen time (within reason and only if transitioning out of this isn’t a nightmare)
Screaming into the void (j/k… sorta)
Choose an activity that helps your child disassociate from school, set a timer for 30 minutes, and let them unwind.
Get the rest of the tips in the episode. Listen here.
Smooth School Year Transition Tips
Remember, implementing routines and setting clear expectations can help children transition smoothly from the school day to home life. Being consistent will reduce the likelihood of after-school meltdowns. Providing opportunities for free play and physical activity allows children to unwind and release energy in a positive way, supporting a successful transition from school to home—sans meltdown.
Sources
After-School Restraint Collapse Is a Real Thing—Here’s How To Deal With It | Colleen Seto for Today’s Parent.com
After-school restraint collapse: Why kids fall apart at home and what to do about it | Nicole Fabian-Weber for Care.com
This simple habit solved my son’s after-school restraint collapse | Jenna Stehler for Mother.ly
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Make good choices. You've got this.
Love,
CK & GK
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