Practical Strategies for Surviving the After-School Crash
Have you ever had a kiddo who holds it together ALL day at school, only to come home and completely fall apart? You’re not alone! School requires a lot from our kiddos including sitting, listening, transitioning, navigating busy environments, managing sensory input, completing work, and interacting with peers. By the time they get home, some kiddos may simply be DONE. Think of it as needing a little decompression time before jumping into the next part of the day. Try giving them a little “cool-down” time after school.
Make the ride home a reset:
Try turning down the conversation and letting them listen to preferred music or simply enjoy some quiet time. After a busy day filled with voices, classroom noise, directions, and social interactions, a quieter car ride can give their brains a chance to take a break. Some kiddos may enjoy looking out the window, listening to an audiobook, or simply having some uninterrupted quiet time.
Meet the basic needs first:
Sometimes the best sensory strategy is simply a snack! Having something to eat and drink when they get home can help take care of those basic needs before asking them to tackle homework or other activities.
Does your kiddo need to MOVE?
Some kiddos need to MOVE after spending much of the day sitting, listening, and working. Try playing outside, jumping on a trampoline, riding a bike, swinging, dancing, animal walks, or climbing. Even a few minutes of movement may help them transition out of “school mode.”
Or do they need to SLOW DOWN?
Other kiddos may need the complete opposite. A dimmer, quieter space, comfy clothes, a blanket, a book, or some independent play may give them the opportunity to reset. Some kiddos may want to curl up on the couch, look at books, color, or simply have some time without anyone asking anything of them. Quiet time doesn’t have to mean sitting perfectly still—it just means creating a lower-demand environment where they can decompress.
Offer familiar sensory activities:
Think about what your kiddo naturally gravitates toward. Maybe they love music, swinging, being wrapped up in a blanket, playing with a fidget, drawing, Play-Doh, puzzles, Legos, or other hands-on activities. These familiar sensory experiences can be incorporated into their after-school routine when they seem helpful.
Remember: sensory strategies are not one-size-fits-all!
Every kiddo is different. Pay attention to what helps your child feel more settled after a long day and use that as your guide. The goal isn’t to create a perfect after-school routine. It’s simply to recognize that your kiddo may need a little time to transition from school mode to home mode.
Sometimes they don’t need another demand. They just need a minute to land.
If your child is struggling with fine motor, sensory, or daily-living skills, our pediatric occupational therapists in Charlotte, NC can help. Schedule a free phone consultation with a member of our team at our Midtown or Pineville office.
