Moodiness at the End of the School Day
I often hear from parents that their children seem moody or crabby after school. A long or rough day at school for a child is similar to a long or rough day at work for a parent. Children need down time after a day at school just as parents do after a day at work. Children do not understand stress but definitely do experience it. An adult understands stress and finds ways to relieve it. Children need our help in learning to unwind from a day of sharing space with a room full of other people, doing some activities they may not feel like doing, walking in the hallways when they really want to run, having to share almost everything in the classroom and waiting their turns all day long.
Here are a few suggestions that may help your child unwind after school:
- Your child may just need a few minutes of quiet on the car ride home. School can be over-stimulating. Relaxing music or some quiet time in the car on the ride home can help. If it’s a short ride, try some quiet time at home.
- Does your child need to release energy? Your child has been in a controlled environment for most of the day. Is it a rainy or cold day? If so, your child probably did not get outside for recess. Your child may just need some physical activity.
- Allow your child to make a decision about what he does for the first 15-20 minutes when he gets home from school (with in reason, of course!) Think about allowing some down time before lessons, sports or homework.
- Could hunger be causing some irritability? We eat lunch at 11:30. On Mondays the students have 2 recesses and Gym class. Children’s appetites increase when they are growing. Could a snack and drink on the car ride home be a simple solution?
- Some children require more sleep than others. Children ages 3-5 should be getting 12 hours of sleep at night. Some still require a nap. Could your child need more sleep?
If you have concerns that a situation in the classroom may be causing a change in your child’s behavior, please do not hesitate to call me at school or send me an email!
