Managing Big Feelings Before and After School
The transition from holiday freedom to structured school routines can be a big adjustment for kids. After a day of following rules, listening to teachers, and navigating social interactions, many children come home either exhausted or bursting with energy. This can make simple requests—like putting away their school bag or getting ready for a bath—feel overwhelming, triggering BIG feelings.
One day, your child might happily follow instructions, and the next, it’s as if you’ve asked them to climb Mount Everest. These emotional ups and downs are normal, but they can be challenging to manage. Here are some tips to help your child regulate their emotions during these transitions:
🍓 Healthy snacks: Many kids get “hangry” after school. Have nutritious snacks ready for the car ride or as soon as they get home.
⚽️ Movement: Walking to or from school—or parking a block away—can help them decompress and transition between environments.
🎧 Down-time: Schedule unstructured playtime with minimal rules to let them unwind.
👨👨👦 Connection time: Spend 10 minutes of undivided attention with your child. Listening to them helps build connection and releases pent-up emotions.
By incorporating these strategies, you can create a smoother transition and help your child feel more balanced.
JumpStart's Lending Library
We've launched our very own library offering books & resources forParents/Carers and children connected with us. Books that promote children's strengths and abilities and celebrate diversity.
If there is a book you would like to borrow please email us. We will let you know when it is ready for pick up from Ochre Medical Centre Bathurst.
If you have recommendations for upcoming books to review, we'd love to hear from you!
Managing Big Feelings Before and After School
The transition from holiday freedom to structured school routines can be a big adjustment for kids. After a day of following rules, listening to teachers, and navigating social interactions, many children come home either exhausted or bursting with energy. This can make simple requests—like putting away their school bag or getting ready for a bath—feel overwhelming, triggering BIG feelings.
One day, your child might happily follow instructions, and the next, it’s as if you’ve asked them to climb Mount Everest. These emotional ups and downs are normal, but they can be challenging to manage. Here are some tips to help your child regulate their emotions during these transitions:
🍓 Healthy snacks: Many kids get “hangry” after school. Have nutritious snacks ready for the car ride or as soon as they get home.
⚽️ Movement: Walking to or from school—or parking a block away—can help them decompress and transition between environments.
🎧 Down-time: Schedule unstructured playtime with minimal rules to let them unwind.
👨👨👦 Connection time: Spend 10 minutes of undivided attention with your child. Listening to them helps build connection and releases pent-up emotions.
By incorporating these strategies, you can create a smoother transition and help your child feel more balanced.
Ochre Health, CSU, Panorama Ave
Bathurst NSW 2795
ABN 53677427342
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