Easing After-School Stress with Compassion – Navigating Neurodivergence

A young girl in a striped shirt enjoying a snack in a cozy kitchen environment.

After a long day at school, many kids experience after-school meltdowns—a time when all the stress and tension from the day bubble over. If you find yourself dealing with these post-school freakouts, you’re not alone, and there are ways to help your child navigate this challenging time.

Here are some tips to manage after-school meltdowns with compassion and understanding:

1) Validate Feelings: When your child is having a meltdown, it’s important to acknowledge and validate their feelings. Let them know that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed and that you’re there to support them.

2)Create a Calm Environment: After a busy day at school, create a peaceful and calming space at home for your child to unwind. This could be a cozy corner with soft lighting, calming music, or their favorite toys or books.

3) Offer Choices: Give your child some control by offering them choices after school. This can help them feel empowered and reduce feelings of frustration. For example, you could ask if they want a snack or drink, or if they’d prefer to relax alone or chat with you.

4) Practice Relaxation Techniques: Teach your child simple relaxation techniques to help them de-stress after school. This could include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery.

5) Engage in Play or Physical Activity: Encourage your child to engage in play or physical activity after school to release pent-up energy and boost their mood. This could be anything from playing outside, dancing to their favorite song, or doing a fun craft.

6) Establish a Routine: Create a consistent after-school routine to provide structure and predictability for your child. Knowing what to expect can help reduce anxiety and prevent meltdowns.

7) Listen and Communicate: Take the time to listen to your child and let them express their feelings without judgment. Open communication can help you better understand their triggers and work together on finding solutions.

Remember, meltdowns are a normal part of childhood, and it’s essential to approach them with patience and empathy. By creating a supportive and nurturing environment, you can help your child cope with after-school meltdowns in a positive and constructive way.