Have you noticed that since school started, your afternoons feel more chaotic? Maybe your child walks in the door, drops their backpack, and bursts into tears—or lashes out over the smallest thing. It can leave you wondering if something is wrong with them…or with you.

The truth is, what you’re seeing is incredibly common. In fact, there’s even a name for it: restraint collapse. After holding it together all day at school, kids often come home to the one place where they feel safe enough to release all the emotions they’ve been bottling up. And while it can be overwhelming to parent through these meltdowns, there are simple, practical ways to help them regulate and recharge.

In this encore episode, I’m joined by Alyssa Blask Campbell, an educator, researcher, and founder of Seed & Sew. Alyssa explains why after-school meltdowns are so common and offers doable strategies you can put into place right away to help your afternoons feel calmer and more connected.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

🍎 The surprising brain-based reason why kids save their biggest meltdowns for home (and why it’s actually a sign of safety)

🍎 Two types of movement that recharge your child’s “battery” and keep afternoons from spiraling into chaos

🍎 A quick connection ritual that takes just 10 minutes but dramatically reduces sibling squabbles and attention-seeking behaviors

Whether your child’s after-school crankiness shows up as slammed doors, snappy remarks, or full-blown tears, Alyssa’s insights will help you create calmer, smoother evenings for the whole family.

For full show notes, including takeaways, click here.

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Related Episodes:

192: The Hidden Reason for Misbehavior (in kids AND parents!) // Wendy Bertagnole

306: Creating Back-to-School Routines for a Smooth Transition // Mika Perry

357: Tips for Staying Calm During Your Big Kid’s Big Meltdowns // Cheryl Cardall

Episode Sponsors:

 Skylight: Right now, Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15 inch Calendars by going to myskylight.com/TAKEAWAYS

BetterHelp: 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms is sponsored by BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/3in30 to get 10% off your first month of online therapy.

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