We honor parents as our students' first teachers and value a home-school partnership that supports the whole child's development; this is a significant part of the "Paradigm of Education." Mrs. Morlidge was reminiscing recently about her three children when they were little and the toll the beginning of the year used to take on her eldest daughter, Josephine. She wondered if you, as parents, also may have noticed your child experiencing emotional meltdowns or heightened frustration after returning home from what seemed like a great day at school.

This behavior is something many children experience and is often referred to as "After-School Restraint Collapse". Like me, you may have wondered if other parents are observing similar behaviors from their child or if it is truly just my child. Having asked this question of parents during a previous parenting class, I can assure you that most, if not all, parents raised their hands. So, what is "After-School Restraint Collapse," and what can parents do about it?

Throughout the school day, children work hard to manage their emotions, follow instructions, and meet expectations. The emotional control they've been holding onto can unravel when they get home, where they feel safe. The result? Irritability, tiredness, or meltdowns. Below are a few signs to watch for, along with considerations of how you can approach a win-win outcome.

Signs to Look For:

• Sudden emotional outbursts like tears or frustration
• Fatigue or withdrawal
• Irritability over small things
• Hyperactivity or restlessness

How You Can Help:

• Create a Calm Transition – Give your child space to decompress after school without asking about their day immediately.
• Offer a Healthy Snack – A balanced snack can help regulate their mood.
• Allow Decompression Time – Let them unwind in a way that works best for them—quiet time, play, or a favorite activity.
• Validate Their Emotions – Reassure them that it's okay to feel overwhelmed and be there to listen when they are ready. By seeking first to understand instead of prescribing how they should feel, your child feels validated and will be more open to sharing.
• Establish a Routine – A predictable routine can create a sense of stability and help ease the transition from school to home.

For example, we will have a shorter school week due to our Goal-Setting Conferences. Instead of the usual five days, there will only be three days of school. It's helpful to prepare your child for these changes in advance. Tell them what they will do on the days they aren't in school. Will they be staying home with a family member or caregiver? Will they attend the school camp or a similar program? If they will be staying home, discuss what activities they can do, such as reading, playing games, or spending time outdoors. If they'll be attending a camp or an enrichment program at school, explain that it's a fun way for them to spend the day while you are working for the family or at your place of employment and that the camp will have activities to keep them engaged. Keeping a clear, consistent plan in place will help ease any anxiety your child may feel about the change in routine.

How Long Will This Last?

For some children, after-school restraint collapse is temporary and will fade as they adjust to new routines. For others, especially those with learning differences, it may continue longer. Be patient and know that this is a normal part of their development. If the emotional outbursts continue for an extended period or interfere with daily life, it may be helpful to consult a professional for additional guidance.

Thank you for your partnership as we help our children navigate their understanding of how the world functions and what's within and out of their circle of control.