Many families notice it right after the May holiday: children who seemed cheerful and relaxed during the holiday suddenly react more emotionally at home, become frustrated more quickly or are visibly overstimulated. For parents this can feel contradictory, especially when school says everything is going well. Yet from a child development perspective, this behaviour is often entirely logical. Throughout the day children continuously process stimuli, expectations and social interactions. As soon as they are back in a safe environment, there is room to release that built up tension.
Why tension often only shows at home
At school or in childcare, children are constantly adapting. They listen, wait their turn, take others into account and try to keep their emotions under control. That demands a lot of their concentration and emotional regulation. Especially after a holiday, when the pace is often slower and there is more freedom, the transition back to structure can take extra energy.
That is why the tension regularly comes out at home after all. Not because a child is “misbehaving”, but precisely because the child feels safe enough to show emotions. For parents this can be challenging, especially at the end of a busy working day, but from a developmental point of view it is often an important sign of trust and safety.
The role of a nanny or Family Assistant in moments of transition
It is precisely in these daily moments of transition that a Nanny or Family Assistant can mean a great deal to a family. Not only by offering practical support, but above all by creating calm and predictability. A professional Nanny understands that after school a child often first needs to unwind before there is room for conversation, homework or activities.
It is often in the small things: a calm atmosphere at home, a fixed routine after school, room to settle in and attention for emotions without immediately correcting or offering solutions. This sensitivity to a child’s needs helps children process tension better and supports their sense of emotional safety.
Why insight into child development makes the difference
That is why at The Family Assistant we look beyond experience or availability alone. The right match is also about the ability to understand children’s behaviour in the context of development, sensory processing and emotional regulation. A Nanny or Family Assistant is often an important, stable presence in everyday family life and therefore has a great influence on the calm and balance within a family.
It is precisely those small daily moments after school, during transitions or at the end of a busy day that ultimately make the biggest difference for both children and parents.
