It sounds like the two of you could use a relaxation routine for him when he gets home from school. I know one kid who was having similar issues, although not so much crying but some crying, whining, falling apart, etc. So her dad got her a whole bunch of books on tape and when she gets home from school, she gets a snack plate and lies on the rug in the living room having a snack and listening to a book on tape. This relaxes her and helps give her more energy used during the school day. Then she has a much easier time dealing with the rest of the afternoon/evening.
1 - 3 of 3 Posts
I know!!! The after school meltdowns are awful. I had to come up with a rock solid, no negotiations routine. I use a picture list to detail the routine, and he follows it pretty well now. Gives him the structure that he needs when he comes home instead of open, empty space that he fills with wailing, gnashing of teeth and rending of garments. I have him take off shoes, coat and backpack and we put everything away. Then he uses the toilet and washes his hands and sits down at the table to eat lunch, which I have waiting for him b/c it's easiest for me that way. He eats and THEN has free play. The free play has a time limit, b/c he naps at 1pm. So he has clear-cut now/then activities that help ease the transition from the rigidly structured school routine to the more fluid, less structured afternoon at home. Our "bad" time of the day is dinner through bedtime, I'm always scrambling to fill that time productively and with something other than television.
![]()
:
Anyway, you might consider making a fairly predictable routine for him so he knows what to expect and he can better anticipate what's going to hapen and when.
Anyway, you might consider making a fairly predictable routine for him so he knows what to expect and he can better anticipate what's going to hapen and when.
1 - 3 of 3 Posts
