449: 3 Simple Strategies to Prevent After-School Meltdowns // Alyssa Blask Campbell

449: 3 Simple Strategies to Prevent After-School Meltdowns // Alyssa Blask Campbell

Author: Cloud10 September 29, 2025 Duration: 38:10
Have you noticed that since school started, your afternoons feel more chaotic? Maybe your child walks in the door, drops their backpack, and bursts into tears—or lashes out over the smallest thing. It can leave you wondering if something is wrong with them…or with you.   The truth is, what you’re seeing is incredibly common. In fact, there’s even a name for it: restraint collapse. After holding it together all day at school, kids often come home to the one place where they feel safe enough to release all the emotions they’ve been bottling up. And while it can be overwhelming to parent through these meltdowns, there are simple, practical ways to help them regulate and recharge. In this encore episode, I’m joined by Alyssa Blask Campbell, an educator, researcher, and founder of Seed & Sew. Alyssa explains why after-school meltdowns are so common and offers doable strategies you can put into place right away to help your afternoons feel calmer and more connected. In this conversation, you’ll learn: 🍎 The surprising brain-based reason why kids save their biggest meltdowns for home (and why it’s actually a sign of safety) 🍎 Two types of movement that recharge your child’s “battery” and keep afternoons from spiraling into chaos 🍎 A quick connection ritual that takes just 10 minutes but dramatically reduces sibling squabbles and attention-seeking behaviors Whether your child’s after-school crankiness shows up as slammed doors, snappy remarks, or full-blown tears, Alyssa’s insights will help you create calmer, smoother evenings for the whole family. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Related Episodes: 192: The Hidden Reason for Misbehavior (in kids AND parents!) // Wendy Bertagnole 306: Creating Back-to-School Routines for a Smooth Transition // Mika Perry 357: Tips for Staying Calm During Your Big Kid’s Big Meltdowns // Cheryl Cardall Episode Sponsors:  Skylight: Right now, Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15 inch Calendars by going to myskylight.com/TAKEAWAYS BetterHelp: 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms is sponsored by BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/3in30 to get 10% off your first month of online therapy. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

Motherhood often feels like a constant juggling act, leaving little time for lengthy advice or complicated strategies. That’s the exact gap that 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms fills. Each episode is built on a simple, powerful premise: delivering three practical, doable takeaways within a half-hour. Host Rachel Nielson, who brings her perspective as a mother, teacher, and writer, understands that a busy parent’s brain is already full. She curates conversations and shares insights that cut straight to what’s useful, focusing on real-world application over theory. You’ll hear discussions rooted in the daily realities of family life, covering everything from educational activities for kids and navigating family dynamics to personal well-being amidst the beautiful chaos. This isn’t about adding more to your to-do list, but about finding smarter, more peaceful ways to manage what’s already there. The tone is consistently encouraging, aiming to replace overwhelm with a sense of capability and even magic. Tuning into this podcast feels like a coffee chat with a knowledgeable friend who leaves you with clear, actionable steps-not just more noise. It’s a resource for any mom looking to gather concrete ideas for parenting, personal growth, and creating a more harmonious home, all within the span of a daily commute or a folded laundry pile.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms
Podcast Episodes
472: When the World Feels Heavy, Try This // Shannan Martin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:39
Last week, I found out that one of my kids' teachers unexpectedly lost her husband in a car accident. She's in her early 30s with a toddler, and when I was telling Ryan, I just started to cry. I don't often cry, so it su…
469: How to Lighten the Load of Motherhood // Greg McKeown [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:50
A few years ago, I read a book that made me think it was reading my mind. In the introduction, the author asks: Do you ever feel like you're running faster but not moving any closer to your goals? Do you want to make a h…
468: Stop the Runaway Train: How to Get Back to What Actually Matters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:32
Right now I am definitely feeling the pull to simplify things in my life. I even said to my husband the other day, "I feel a bit like I'm on a runaway train!" Luckily, it's not the first time I've felt this way. I now kn…