Reception child - very upset after school

[cuu]

Is anyone else's kid like this? So as SOON as I pick her up and take them out the school gate she's bawling her eyes out sitting on the floor just wanting a hug. Its like she's been holding stuff in and then is relaxing and just letting out tonnes of emotion. I managed to chat to her a bit later and she says school was fun and who she played with and what was for dinner. Is this normal?

My eldest was just like this when he first started. I think it’s such a big change for them. I remember him crying his eyes out , he seemed so tired. I used to ask him questions like how was school ? Who did you play with and he wouldn’t answer. He’s in year two now and loves school and has lots of friends. She will get used to it , it’s just a massive change and I think they can feel overwhelmed ❤️

Thank you yes definitely overwhelmed they don't have any issues with her in school they said. I don't ask any questions until I've got her home and given her a snack and let her chill a bit in front of bluey. Then I turn it off and start some play with her dolls or lego and ask her about school then.

They tend to be like this the first half term especially and extremely tired until after Christmas break. It does get easier for them after this point. It isn't surprising, there is loads to learn and adapt to and some have barely turned four. Just lots of cuddles and down time outside of the school week and snacks for pick up time

Girls in particular will mask and hold it all in. All you can do is reassure her and make sure she eats and sleeps well. In a few weeks she won't be finding it so new and will hopefully not need to release all that pent up emotion at the end of the school day.

It's so normal op. I had this for the first 6 weeks or so but it passes. They are knackered and it's a huge adjustment

It's called restraint collapse.

Thank you felt a bit alone with it today as she was trying to bite me but none of the other kids seemed to be crying and screaming

My child would never act out in public but soon as we got home he would be moody emotional and grumpy etc. Just because you don't see it op you're not alone