19/02/2026
Afternoons post kinder, prep and school can be tough.

Tough for our kiddos, tough for you, tough to even be able to get dinner started or ask them about their day because they’re clinging on to you or they flip out at you.
The first term of kinder, prep or school is a huge adjustment.
In fact, many teachers may report that the child “had such a great day!”. Even children who look “fine” at school are often working incredibly hard behind the scenes.
They’re:
• Listening more than ever before
• Managing new friendships
• Following unfamiliar routines
• Sitting still longer than their bodies are used to
• Filtering noise, lights and constant stimulation
That’s a big load for a little nervous system.
So when they get home — to their safe place — the emotions spill out.
You might see:
• Big tears over small things
• Extra silliness or hyperactivity
• Clinginess
• Quick frustration
• Total exhaustion
It doesn’t mean they hate school.
It doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong.
It doesn’t mean they’re “too sensitive.”
It means their capacity is still building.
What can help in this season:
✔ Snack before questions
✔ Low demand for the first 30–60 minutes
✔ Movement before homework
✔ Connection before correction
✔ Consistency and predictability
The goal isn’t to eliminate every meltdown.
It’s to understand why they’re happening.
And when we, as parents and therapists, understand the load they’re carrying during the day, the afternoons start to make more sense.
If your house feels heavy at 4pm right now — you’re not failing.
You’re parenting a child whose nervous system is learning something new.
And like all new skills, that can take time.
