The After-School Reset: Helping Your Child Regulate
Dear Neurodiversity Parent,
School takes a huge toll on neurodivergent children. Many work twice as hard as their peers just to keep up with sensory demands, social rules, and constant transitions. By 3pm, their nervous system is exhausted....
Instead of launching straight into homework or questions, think of the after-school routine as a reset ritual—a bridge from the demands of school back into the safety of home.
Here’s your toolkit this week:
- Parenting Script
Instead of: “How was your day? Did you finish your maths? Don’t forget homework!”
Try: “Welcome home. Let’s grab a snack and some quiet time before anything else.”
→ This helps your child feel safe and understood, reducing the risk of shutdowns or explosive behaviour.
2. Activity to Try: “Reset Basket”
Put together a small basket or box with calming, sensory tools your child can choose from after school:
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Chewies, stress ball, or playdough
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Weighted lap pad or soft blanket
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Noise-cancelling headphones with gentle music
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Drawing materials or a favourite book
Encourage your child to pick something from the basket as soon as they get home.
3. Top Tip
Build in a “buffer zone” before demands. A 20–30 minute decompression window after school makes homework, mealtimes, and family interactions flow more smoothly.
Remember—resetting isn’t a luxury, it’s essential. By honouring your child’s need to decompress, you’re helping their nervous system recover so they can show up more regulated for the rest of the day.
Talk soon in the LIVE sesssion,
With warmth and encouragement,
Your Child and Adolescent Educational Psychologist,
Lorraine Xx
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