End-of-the-day meldowns 

Do you ever find the end of the day particularly difficult? Does your child become extra teary or uncooperative? Even if they love school, it is hard work for children to hold it together all day, faced with so many challenges, people, rules and transitions. When they come home to you they finally feel safe enough to let go of all the emotions they stored up all day. After being apart for so long children will also feel disconnected from you and their meltdown is a way to tell you that they are feeling alone. 

How can parents and carers help?

Stop (HALT) and ask yourself: is your child Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired? The key is to prepare for the end of the day assuming that your child could be feeling all of the above. 

First, make sure you refill your own cup before you pick up your child from school: take 5mins to pause and think of one nice thing you can do for yourself once your child is in bed tonight. When you pick him up, take the time to reconnect with lots of hugs and delight, and give him your attention. Have simple healthy snacks ready to go at pick-up or the moment you get home and perhaps put on some soothing music too. Try to keep your child nearby as you prepare dinner - maybe even prepare it together and keep it fun! 

Simplify your evenings so that you can use this time to connect.