The hours after school can be some of the most emotionally charged for children. They’ve spent the entire day following directions, navigating friendships, and processing new information — all of which can create after-school stress and emotional overload. This often shows up as meltdowns, irritability, or withdrawal when they get home. That’s why having a predictable after-school routine is so important. A short, calming break gives kids the opportunity to regulate their emotions, reset their focus, and transition more smoothly into homework, family time, or evening activities.
A simple and effective way to support this transition is by creating a calm down kit for kids. These kits are filled with emotional regulation tools and activities that help children manage big feelings in healthy ways. By offering hands-on, sensory-friendly items, a calm down kit provides kids with strategies they can actually use when they feel overwhelmed.
Why a Calm Down Kit Helps
Children don’t always have the language to express their emotions, but they can show you how they feel through their behavior. A calm down kit empowers kids to release stress in safe, structured ways — whether that’s through movement, mindfulness, or sensory play. Over time, these tools not only reduce after-school meltdowns but also teach lifelong coping skills they’ll carry into adolescence and beyond.
How to Create a Calming After-School Routine
- Start with identifying emotions – Encourage your child to check in with their feelings using an Emotions Chart. This helps them name and understand what they’re experiencing.
2. Add a calming activity – If your child is feeling restless, a Breathing Lamp can guide them through slow, mindful breaths. This simple practice helps lower stress and center their body.
3. Incorporate movement – Physical activity can help kids release pent-up energy. A quick routine from the 5 Minute Yoga for Kids book is a fun, effective way to reset after school.
4. Offer sensory play – Some kids find it easier to calm down with tactile tools. A Sensory Marble Maze or Sensory Timers provide quiet, hands-on ways to focus their energy and relax.
By building this routine into your child’s daily transition from school to home, you’re creating a predictable rhythm that promotes both emotional wellness and stress relief!
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