08/28/2026
If your child falls apart the second they get in the car after school, this is for you 🚗
After holding it together all day, some kids have very little left in the tank by pickup. The car ride can become the place where all of that exhaustion, sensory overload, and emotion finally comes out.
A few things that can make the transition easier:
→ Create a predictable routine. Same general sequence each day can help their nervous system know what to expect: buckle → snack → music/quiet → home.
→ Meet the basics first. Hunger, thirst, fatigue, and needing movement can all make regulation harder. Sometimes a snack and some water are more helpful than a conversation.
→ Give small choices. “Music or quiet?” “Snack now or at home?” A little control can go a long way after a day full of adult-directed expectations.
→ Don’t rush the transition. If possible, build in some downtime when you get home before homework, chores, or other demands.
→ Match the moment. If they’re already overwhelmed, you don’t need to convince them to calm down. Stay regulated yourself, keep your language simple, and focus on helping them feel safe.
And one of the biggest reminders: you don’t have to process everything right away. Regulate first, problem-solve later.
The after-school transition is a transition all on its own. Give their body a chance to catch up 🤍 And take it easy on yourselves, parents & caregivers!
