Student Support Services
March 10, 2026 – Edition 3
Why Children Sometimes Feel Overwhelmed After School
Many parents notice that their child seems to hold it together throughout the school day, only to become emotional, irritable, or overwhelmed once they arrive home. If this happens in your household, you are not alone.
The school day asks a lot of children and young people. They are concentrating, following instructions, managing friendships, coping with expectations, and trying to regulate their emotions for many hours. By the time they get home, their emotional energy can be depleted. Home is often the place where children feel safest, and this is where the feelings they have been holding in all day may finally come out.
One of the most helpful things parents can do is focus on connection before conversation. Instead of asking lots of questions straight away, allow your child some time to decompress. A snack, some quiet time, or simply saying “I am glad you are home” can help children settle after a busy day.
When big emotions do appear, acknowledging their feelings can be very powerful. Simple responses such as “That sounds like it was a hard day” or “I can see you’re feeling upset” help children feel understood and supported while they begin to calm and regulate. Often, once children feel heard, they are more able to talk about what happened during their day.
For further information and practical strategies, parents may find the following resources helpful:
ABC News
Tantrums and after-school meltdowns are normal, but you can stop them in their tracks
Kids Helpline
Coping with emotions
These resources provide helpful guidance for supporting children’s emotional wellbeing and strengthening connection within the family.
Sarah Quin, Mandy Barr and Joanne Devota-Rando
Counsellors
