The Simplicity Parenting Podcast with Kim John Payne #41: How To Re-enter Family Life After A Day At Work
Apr 30, 2019
Navigating family life after a long day at work can be tricky. Parents often face chaotic reactions from kids upon returning home. Establishing predictable afternoon routines helps maintain calm. Kim emphasizes the importance of a serene re-entry ritual for the returning parent. A simple text before arriving sets the stage for a smoother transition. Combining these strategies creates harmony during the often challenging bedtime routine. Tune in for practical insights to make homecoming a joyful experience!
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Parents Report Chaotic Re-Entries
- Kim John Payne describes parents reporting that children 'go wacko' when the second parent arrives home unexpectedly.
- He used examples from multiple parents to develop the rhythm-and-preview approach shared in the episode.
Make Afternoons Rhythmical And Predictable
- Increase predictable afternoon rhythms so children enter a settled slipstream of activity after school or daycare.
- Ritualize two or three predictable steps (snack, play, outdoor time) to reduce disruption when the second parent arrives.
Use A Calm, Repeatable Entry Ritual
- When the second parent arrives, follow a calm, repeatable entry ritual instead of immediately over-engaging the children.
- Hang coat, put keys away, get a drink or help with supper and stay even-keeled to keep the evening flowing.