{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Episode 29: After-School Meltdowns - How to Help Kids Regulate From Pickup to Dinner time","description":"If weeknights feel like one long meltdown\u2014from the car ride home to bedtime\u2014you\u2019re not alone. In this episode of Emotions with Ease, emotional wellness coach Jami Glenn sits down with Kristin Harrington, occupational therapist and mom of two, to talk through practical, body-based tools to help kids regulate after school\u2014without shame, power struggles, or unrealistic expectations. \ud83d\udc49 New here? Grab my free 5-video Emotional Tools 101 series  \u23f1 Timestamps 0:00 \u2013 Welcome + why after-school regulation matters 3:00 \u2013 Why kids fall apart after school 6:30 \u2013 What to do right at pickup (car tools that help) 10:45 \u2013 Sensory buckets explained (overflowing vs. empty) 14:30 \u2013 Movement ideas to release after-school energy 18:30 \u2013 Indoor movement when you can\u2019t get outside 22:30 \u2013 Dinner time strategies (choices + connection) 26:30 \u2013 Nighttime tools to calm the nervous system 29:30 \u2013 Kristin\u2019s personal regulation tool + wrap-up \ud83e\udde0 What You\u2019ll Learn Why kids often unravel after school (even on \u201cgood\u201d days) How to support regulation in the car, at home, and at bedtime What a \u201csensory bucket\u201d is and why it matters Why movement before calm activities is key How connection helps the nervous system settle \ud83d\ude97 Right-After-School Tools (Car + Pickup) Have something ready before pickup (snack, fidget) Music (sing or sit quietly\u2014both count) High \/ Low \/ Buffalo game (parent joins in) Respect personality: some kids need to talk, others need silence \ud83e\uddfa At-Home Regulation: What to Ask Yourself Is my child\u2019s sensory bucket overflowing or empty? Do they need movement or quiet connection? Have they eaten yet? (Chewy snacks help many kids regulate.) \ud83c\udfc3\u200d\u2642\ufe0f Movement Ideas That Actually Help Outside (when possible): Playground time Ball play (catch, soccer, basketball) Bikes, scooters, chalk, barefoot time Inside: Jumping, crawling, rolling in a blanket Nugget couch play Obstacle courses Heavy work (pushing, pulling, carrying) \u2728 Tip: Add structure (\u201c10 jumps\u201d vs. \u201cgo play\u201d) to avoid overstimulation. \ud83c\udf7d Dinner Time Support Offer choices (\u201cWith me or alone?\u201d) Let kids help when possible Create a calm space if they need distance Sit together when you can\u2014connection regulates \ud83c\udf19 Nighttime Tools to Calm the Body Deep pressure (hugs, squeezes, pillow sandwich) Rocking or gentle movement Sensory bins, Play-Doh, coloring Stretching, yoga, calming music Consistent routine (same order every night) \ud83d\udc9b A Gentle Reminder After-school meltdowns aren\u2019t bad behavior. They\u2019re a nervous system asking for support. Small, proactive tools\u2014used consistently\u2014can change the entire rhythm of your evenings. \ud83c\udfa7 Want Support? If you\u2019re listening and thinking, \u201cI want help applying this in my home,\u201d you can book a low-pressure discovery call using the link in the show notes. We\u2019ll talk it through and see what feels supportive for your family. I\u2019m rooting for you.   ","author_name":"Emotions With Ease","author_url":"https:\/\/www.sacredgroundcoaching.com\/podcasts\/emotions-with-ease","html":"