After-school restraint collapse? Say what?
After-school restraint collapse
Have you heard of the “after-school restraint collapse?” Yeah, that was a new term for me too. But when I dug in to learn about it, I could totally relate. You know, the moments when your kid is a perfect angel all day for their teachers and then comes home and completely falls apart?
BUT WHY?
School is exhausting and it can only be expected that your child may have a meltdown as soon as you pick them up. Just like you might need to decompress after a long day at work or stressful meeting, so does your kiddo. Skip the after school errands or playdates, and instead head home to relax.
Don’t take this personally. You kiddo has been working so hard all day to keep their behavior in check and follow all of the rules at school. Couple that with being overstimulated all day by their environment and being around so many other kids. Remember you are their safe place, so letting their guard down and their feelings out around you is a good thing. They are emotionally overwhelmed and need some space, time, and a SNACK!
Did someone say Hangry?
In the beginning days of school, its totally normal for you child not to eat much at lunchtime. They are still working on being comfortable with their new friends and the new routine. This means when they get out of school, they are going to be HANGRY!
Prepare for this by being one step ahead and having a healthy snack ready for them for the car ride home or back at the house.
Stock up on ready-to-go snacks. Healthy snack ideas include apples and nut butter, hard boiled eggs, fresh cut fruits, kid friendly charcuterie, protein bar or yogurt with granola!
“Focus and relax” or “Burn pent up energy”
Every kid is a little different. Your kids might need a calming activity to decompress, or maybe some physical activity to burn pent up energy.
Sensory play may be a great idea if you child needs a calming activity to relax.
Think play dough, magic sand, bubbles, shaving cream and figurines. Their are endless options! It’s important to let your child practice playing by themself, Individual play allows them to relax and learn a sense of independence.
Click on the sea critters to check out the Scott Cottage for some amazing sensory play ideas
For more physical kiddos going for a swim or playing catch in the front yard may be a better choice. Take the dogs for a walk or set up an obstacle course. Have fun and play! The freeze dance is always great option. Or try “Creature moves!” Challenge kids to enact the moves of animals and other creatures: waddle like a duck, small hops like a bunny, giant hops like a kangaroo, slither like a snake, jump high like a frog, crawl-walk like a bear, inch forward like a turtle, flap arms like a bird, crawl sideways like a crab, and so on. Set up races to see who reaches the finish line first. Extra points for creativity.
“Personal Best” is another great idea! Record how long a child can hop or balance on one foot or how many push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks, or other exercises a child can do in a row. Track the results and encourage your kiddo to try to beat their “personal best!” This is a great workout for mom and dad too!
We hope this encourages you that after school pent up emotions and energy are completely normal! Don’t take these outbursts personally and shift that energy into something relaxing, productive or high energy, depending on your kiddos needs!