Why do kids act out the day after transition?

Jan 3·1 min read

Every single time I drop them back at their mom's house, they're amazing that whole evening and next morning. But by day 2, they act like monsters. Full meltdowns over nothing, rude, disrespectful. Is this normal? Are they processing the transition still? Should I mention it to their mom or will she just think I'm doing something wrong on my week? They're 6, 9, and 11. Mom hasn't mentioned anything about it but I feel like she's not being totally honest with me anyway.

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Comments(5)

DDerekRegularJan 4

Same exact pattern here. First night they're perfect little angels. Second night? Absolute chaos. I think the transition itself just drains them emotionally.

RRob K.RegularJan 5

I think it's because they're holding it together during the transition and then once they're settled in they feel safe to let loose. My therapist said something about emotional regulation when kids are stressed.

HHector R.RegularJan 5

This is so real. My daughter is an absolute angel when I pick her up on my day, acts like nothing's wrong. Then I drop her off and by the next morning it's like a switch flipped and she's testing every boundary.

BBrianRegularJan 5

Have you talked to their mom about whether she sees the same thing? Just curious if it's specific to your house or if it happens at hers too.

CCarl D.RegularJan 6

The day after drop-off is always rough for us too. I've learned to just roll with it and not take the attitude personally. Doesn't make it easier though when you're trying to have a nice evening together.