Ever brace yourself at pickup, wondering which version of your child is about to walk out? Chatty, cranky, silent, or melting down? You’re not imagining it. Transitions are some of the hardest moments of childhood. After a full day of holding it together at school, their nervous system is running on empty. What looks like defiance or moodiness is often just depletion. The good news? When we understand what’s happening underneath, we can time our connection so it actually works with less pushback, and more genuine sharing. ✨ Comment BOOK if you want the tools and timing strategies that make after-school connection smoother. #BigKidsBiggerFeelings #ParentingTips #ParentingSupport #EmotionalRegulation #ChildDevelopment #ParentingCommunity