Back to School, Back to Big Feelings

As a pediatrician and a mom myself, I am already seeing the back to school behaviors and heightened emotions in my own house. The first few weeks back can be a big adjustment, even for kids who are excited about school.

Think about how much we are asking of them during the day—waking up earlier, getting out the door on time, following directions, sitting still, transitioning between activities, navigating friendships and generally holding it together for 7–8 hours.

Then they get home.

Suddenly the snack you bought specifically because they loved it last week is disgusting. Their sibling is breathing too loudly. You ask them to put their backpack away and somehow this is the most unreasonable request anyone has ever made!

Sound familiar?

Kids spend a lot of energy regulating their emotions and behavior at school. Home is their safe place, which is great… except that sometimes means we get every emotion they managed to keep together at school

During these first few weeks, I try to remind myself that they may need a little time to decompress before we jump into homework, activities and the nightly routine. A snack, time outside, quiet time or simply not asking 20 questions about their day the second they get in the door can go a long way.

It is also a good time to get back to the boring basics that really do help:

• Consistent bedtimes

• Enough sleep

• Regular meals and snacks

• Physical activity

• A somewhat predictable routine

Most importantly, give them—and yourself—a little grace. More tears, irritability or meltdowns at home don't necessarily mean your child is having a bad school year. So if your house feels a little more emotional than usual right now, you aren't the only one. Most families are going through this too.

My highly practical back-to-school advice is this: when in doubt, start with a snack and an earlier bedtime. It fixes a surprising number of problems.

Stay Healthy KC,

Dr. Patch

Phone: 913-764-7060