12/01/2026
๐๐ซฑ๐ปโ๐ซฒ๐ฝ๐ฌ๐
A Childโs Voice โ After School, I Need You to Know
The Child Who Masks
Earlier today I shared the swan model.
The one that looks calm on the surface, gliding through the school day โ while underneath, itโs paddling fast just to stay afloat.
This is that same child, speaking now.
When I come out of school, Iโm not being โdramaticโ.
Iโm not suddenly difficult.
Iโm not undoing all the good behaviour you were told about.
Iโve been holding it together all day.
Iโve pushed feelings down so I didnโt stand out.
Iโve copied others so I could fit in.
Iโve kept my stims small and hidden.
Iโve smiled when I didnโt feel OK.
Iโve tried to remember every rule so no one got cross.
Iโve ignored what felt too loud, too bright, too much.
And by the time I reach you, thereโs nothing left in the tank.
What looks like defiance, tears, shutdown, or anger after school is often exhaustion from masking.
If this feels familiar, youโre not alone โ and neither is your child.
My Masking Toolkit supports parents and educators to understand masking, recognise the hidden load, and reduce the pressure children carry just to be accepted. Link in comments below โฌ๏ธ or via Linktree Shop in Bio.