It’s been a long day at work, you woke up early, and hit the ground running. You had a meeting with your boss, then went straight to work solving problems, trying new things, and thinking up new ideas. You had a tiff with one of your co-workers but you worked it out. You enjoyed a quick lunch with some friends, and even snuck in a few minutes of downtime, but then dove back into work because that is what you love. A little more problem solving mixed in with a lot of effort and more creative thinking for the rest of the day and then you are done. You are ready to go home, to decompress, and enjoy happy hour before you do it all over again the next day. For some, happy hour may be at a bar, or at the gym, or on the couch, or outdoors. Whatever, and wherever it is, it is important and necessary.
Believe it or not, it is the same for your children. They have been working all day. They have been thinking, learning, playing, and growing, and when you pick them up, they are ready to decompress. We suggest that you follow their lead. What do they need after school? What is their “happy hour” A snack? Some space? Some snuggles? Some conversation? Some quiet? Honor their work for the day, and their need to decompress; it is important and necessary.