Boys and After-school Meltdowns

In this 'Maggie Moment', one of Australia's favourite parenting authors Maggie Dent talks about how to navigate after-school meltdowns in young children, particularly our boys (and especially those up to Year 3). Maggie talks about why boys somehow act out in anger or aggression when they're reunited with us at the end of the day, and what we can do to shift the mood quickly and lovingly.
For more on boys, check out Maggie's 2018 bestseller "Mothering Our Boys", available at most good bookstores (online and offline) and from maggiedent.com/mob

[@justfeelsso7389]

I think it’s also important not to overload young kids with too many after school activities. Parents often fall into the trap of thinking that keeping their child busy will stop the chance of a meltdown but sometimes kids need to have that big release of emotions in their safe place (home).

[@KatieJoy88]

This was super helpful ❤ Thank you!

[@raisingconnectedkids5237]

💔 It's heart-wrenching to witness the toll our education system takes on our children, depriving them of the joys of childhood and pushing them to burnout as early as the age of 10. We can and must do better. 💪
I teach the kids I work with simple ways that they can nurture their own nervous system whilst at school so they don't have to reach that point of overwhelm.
It's really hard for our kids to keep all those emotions that pop up in a school day under wraps and still be a "good" boy or girl.
If we can't change the system, at least we can empower our kids with knowledge and strategies! And the kids pick the strategies up so quickly because they work and they feel a heck of a lot better than spending the whole day dysregulated and pretending you're not.
As educators and parents we really need to prioritise the importance of nurturing emotional well-being in our children.

[@hannahlomas1572]

Super helpful, thank you ❤

[@rachelcoster5054]

On the way home I ask my Boys who did you play with today. Then good or bad stories come flooding out 😂

[@sofiawright5813]

Hi Maggie, thank you so much for the advice... I’m struggling with after school meltdown especially with my 7 year old son (a rooster one) I will follow your tips and just wanted to say that I just tried the tickle spot that you describe in another video during the meltdown and couldn’t believe my eyes, I could see his frustration and anger evaporate... I can’t thank you enough, I will be my go-to tool xxx

[@justamemphisgirl]

Yeah mine is grade 2 age 8 and he gets off the school bus fine and as soon as he hits the house door it’s fussiness.
Sometimes tears or rolling around on the couch telling me to leave him alone. We try to get him fed quickly and cooled down after the hot ride and walk home.

[@marinawilkinson5840]

You’re amazing. thank you. ❤️❤️❤️

[@kalissawillis4759]

Wow.. loved this! Thankyou so much!

[@mbasta1979]

Great video Maggie, thank you!

[@genzoids]

Thanks for that Maggie :) very helpful

[@saniyakazi719]

What I took from this is I need to learn to fart on demand

[@justamemphisgirl]

Age 3
Or like 3rd grade (8 years old)