After School Meltdowns

The backpack drops at the door. Shoes are kicked off in different directions. The lunchbox is tossed onto the counter. And then… the tears start. Or maybe the attitude. Or maybe the epic combo of both.

Welcome to the world of after school meltdowns.

If you’ve been there, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The moment when your sweet, smiling kiddo…the same one who held it together all day at school…finally lets it all out the second they walk through the front door.

It’s not about us, and it’s not about something we “did wrong” as moms. It’s actually the opposite. We’re their safe place. All day long, they’re holding in emotions, following directions, keeping it together in classrooms and on playgrounds. By the time they get home, they’re exhausted. And who better to let those big feelings spill out on than the people who love them unconditionally?

It doesn’t make the meltdowns easy. Some days, it feels like the second the car door shuts, I’m bracing myself. Do we need snacks? A quiet moment? Do I let them cry it out? Do I join the meltdown (kidding… kind of)?

Some days, goldfish crackers solve everything. Other days, it takes a warm hug and zero questions asked. And sometimes, the only thing to do is ride the wave and remember it’s normal.

These after school meltdowns mean I have a tired, overstimulated, feelings-are-hard-to-process kid. And at the end of the day, they are human and they need some grace.

So if your afternoons are loud, tear-filled, or chaotic, please know you’re not alone. Somewhere out there, another mom is microwaving mac and cheese while her kid sobs about the injustice of math homework. And maybe, just maybe, we’ll all get through it with a little grace. ❤️