As the school year winds down, it’s natural for children to experience a range of emotions, from excitement to fatigue. Heightened emotions, lack of self-regulation and general grumpiness displayed after school can be undeniable in their words and behaviours.
Understanding End-of-Year Fatigue
It’s important to remember that our children are working hard all day, both academically and socially. A combination of focused learning and unstructured play can be tiring, even for the most energetic kids. When children get home to their safe place, they may need an opportunity to decompress and unwind.
Tips for Supporting Your Child’s Wellbeing
Our top four tips to support children’s mental health and wellbeing during this hectic period are listed below.
1. Prioritise Rest and Play
- Unwind Time: Encourage your child to relax after school through calming activities such as colouring, drawing or reading. Playing outside in nature is also an excellent way for children to decompress and focus on self-regulation.
- Adequate Sleep: Ensure your child gets enough sleep each night to recharge their batteries and manage fatigue. It is recommended that primary school aged children have between 9 to 11 hours of sleep per night.
2. Fuel Their Bodies
- Healthy Eating: Provide nutritious meals and snacks to support energy levels and focus. Well balanced meals and snacks fuel healthy minds and bodies. Check out 33 healthy kid-friendly snacks you’ll make on repeat from Taste.
3. Open Communication:
- Quality Time: Spend quality time with your child, engaging in supportive conversations and active listening. Specific, positive, open-ended questions can help remind children of all the great things that have happened throughout the day. Check out this list of ten questions to ask kids about their school day.
- Positive Reinforcement: Acknowledge their efforts and celebrate their achievements. Never underestimate how wonderful children feel when they have your undivided attention and praise!
4. Balanced Schedule
- Mindful Scheduling: When you begin seeing increased heightened emotions, consider reducing extracurricular activities to allow precious time to rest and relax.
Creating a Peaceful Home Environment
A calm and supportive home environment can significantly impact your child’s wellbeing. Here are some tips to create a peaceful atmosphere:
- Establish a Bedtime Routine: A consistent routine can help children wind down and prepare for sleep.
- Limit Screen Time: Reduce screen time before bed to promote better sleep quality.
- Practice Mindfulness: Encourage techniques like deep breathing and meditation to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Family Time: Spend quality time together, playing games, reading, or simply talking.
Finally, read the child psychologist blog, “Avoiding End of Year Meltdowns“, for further tips and helpful advice.
Following these tips can help your child navigate the end-of-year period with greater ease and resilience. Remember, a well-rested and happy child is a successful learner.