75 How To Handle The First Week Of School Emotions

Kids with Big Emotions Formerly Calm Nights, Strong Days

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In This Episode We Will Dive into:

Strategies to help parents and children cope with the emotional challenges of the first week back at school.

Key Points

1. Mental overload and executive functioning challenges during the first week
2. Importance of nutrition and hydration
3. Understanding developmental timelines for future thinking
4. Tips for creating a calm evening routine
5. Strategies to reduce stimulation and questions after school

Detailed Notes

Mental Overload and Executive Functioning

• Children face numerous challenges in perception, attention, and inhibition
• New faces, routines, and environments can be overwhelming
• Executive functioning skills are taxed, leading to exhaustion

Nutrition and Hydration

• Provide snacks and drinks immediately after school
• Consider offering lemonade or other appealing drinks for hydration
• Hunger and dehydration can significantly impact mood and behavior

Developmental Timelines for Future Thinking

• Ages 3-5: Can think 5-20 minutes ahead
• Kindergarten to 1st grade: Can think several hours ahead
• 3rd to 6th grade: Can think 2-3 days ahead
• 17-23 years old: Can think 2-3 weeks ahead
• 23-35 years old: Can see things 3-5 years ahead

Creating a Calm Evening Routine

• Close blinds early, even if it's still light outside
• Use red light bulbs to promote melatonin production
• Listen to audiobooks instead of watching TV
• Create a consistent bedtime routine

Reducing Stimulation and Questions

• Limit after-school activities, especially in the first week
• Don't ask too many questions about their day
• Allow for downtime and less stimulation
• Understand that your child may not have the bandwidth to process or discuss their day

Resources Mentioned

• Sarah Ward's research on developmental timelines
• Tara Sumpner's Seeds of Learning program
• Robin Gobble's therapy techniques

Next Steps

• Join the Kids With Big Emotions Facebook group for support and discussion
• Sign up for the waiting list for Andi's upcoming membership site www.andiclark.com
• Book a call with Andi for personalized support

Next Episode Preview

Andi will discuss how to navigate getting help for your child at school, based on her personal experiences and learnings.