ParentingEssentials

Minimize Late-Day Meltdowns

There's a reason so many families call it the "witching hour". It usually falls somewhere between 4 and 7 pm, when the day is growing old and young children reach the end of their tether, so to speak. They're cranky and prone to meltdowns. But the reality is this: the day isn't over yet, so you can't just put your child to bed and let him sleep it off. But there are things you can do to minimize late-day meltdowns.

Avoid optional late-day outings. Here's the scenario: you pick up your little one from child care and plan to stop by the grocery store before heading home for the evening. But he hasn't napped today, and you can see he's tired. Advice? Skip the grocery store and dig something out of the freezer for dinner instead.


Encourage quiet, soothing activities. If your child is worn out by the end of the day but still needs to hang on for a few more hours, make it a time of quiet relaxation. That could mean listening to music or a book—something that doesn’t require too much energy or concentration.


Take a healthy snack break. If lunch was hours ago and dinner’s not yet on the table, a pick-me-up snack can be just the thing to tie over a little one until his next meal. But avoid sugary snacks, which may lead to a burst of energy followed quickly by a crash.


Offer your child some comforting objects. Say you're weaning your child from sucking a pacifier or constantly clutching a favorite "companion", be it a blanket or a favorite stuffed animal. Now may be the one time during the day when you still let her hang on to it. Sometimes, the security that such a comforting object brings to a child may be just enough to ward off a meltdown.


Turn down play dates. If you know your little one runs out of the steam by late afternoon, avoid making or going on play dates during this time of the day. If she's tired, taking turns and generally being a good friend may prove close to impossible under the circumstances. Instead, schedule morning outings. The same goes for extra-curricular activities like dance lessons or sports clinics.

SPECIAL PARENT SECTION:

Be a Better Mom This Year

Think, for a moment, about your parenting history within the past year. Were there any situations where you wish you had acted differently? It's okay to nod your head yes. After all, there's probably not a single parent out there who could rightfully walk away with the "parent of the year award" on a consistent basis. But, with a lot of determination and some solid strategies, you can look back at 2012 and rightfully earn "most improved parent of the year". Here’s how.

Practice patience. Many parents will admit that their least proud parenting moments occur when they react impulsively to their child’s actions. Yes, it’s frustrating when a 4-year-old spills orange juice for the third consecutive day just as you have to leave for work. But before yelling, take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Then, consider buying a cup with a lid for your little spiller. And, enlist his help in cleaning up the mess.

Know when your child needs your attention. It's easy to say, after a long day at work (and childcare), that you're going to make "one quick call" or just glance at your email inbox. It's even easier for that quick call or email glance to take far longer than you expected. Before you allow yourself to get distracted, put yourself in your child's position. You may change your mind about what activity needs to take precedence.

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