This is actually very common and you see it even more so at the end of the term. Just lower your expectations and try to be understanding; they may wince and whine a bit more, be teary and cry a lot and in need of lots of cuddles.

I didn’t post this question but thought the responses were very good.

I had the exact same issues with my daughter at this age. I made sure I had no extra curricular activities on for at least the first term and we went straight home from Kinder / School so that she could play and unwind without distraction. It was hard but I made sure dinner was organised before she got home so that I could spend that time with her without being stuck in the kitchen and busy with every day routine.Dinner time was always an hour earlier and I taped her favourite evening shows so that she could watch them and unwind after her bath without having to wait till they were actually programmed to be on. As others have suggested bath and bedtime a little earlier also helped us! It does get better as they do adjust! Best of luck

Earlier bed time, and I find for me I have to bring my A game for flexibility, patience and kindness as it’s easy to snap or be offended from kindy grumpiness! I’ve heard it takes a few terms for some kids to adapt but I think they’re all exhausted towards mid to end of term. Good luck!

it sounds like she is coming home exhausted and probably hungry of a day filled with fun activity and friends. A tip I would give is have a snack ready in the car as often when kids are hungry they are grumpy and don’t expect too much from her when she gets home. she probably would enjoy some quiet time playing in her room or reading or watching a bit of tv to unwind after a busy day at kindergarten. Untill she gets used to it and less tired as the year goes on, just be mindful that it can be a lot of stimulation at first which is tiring like starting a new job and as time goes by it gets easier.

Check with your kindy, maybe you could pick your child up and hour earlier or even at lunch time some days. Other kinds have a room where children can have a nap. The teachers are pretty supportive.

Its not uncommon for kids to react like this once they have started kinder or school. Let her have some time to herself whether it just going to her room and getting changed or watching her favourite TV show. Once she gets into the routine she won’t be as tired and will settle a little better.

Food!! A hungry child is a grumpy child. Prepare after school snacks and give them some quiet time to wind down (perhaps with a calm tv show). It will take some getting used to but they usually transition well after a few weeks

Settling in and transition can take quite a while. Plenty of good food and rest!

This is totally normal. My toddler sometimes struggles after a long day at child care, especially after we’ve been on holidays. We try and read his cues and encourage an earlier bedtime on days when he is struggling and ensure that he is eating lots of nutritious food (avoid sugars).

This kind of behaviour is normal – they have had a huge and exhausting day. Give them food, and time to do what they want to do. Early bedtime really helps too. The more you expect of them or ask them about their day, the worse it will be for you.

My son is at school now and we have found he needs half a hour quite time as soon as he gets home, usually in our bedroom wathcing tv. Without the other sibblings in that room till he has had time to chill down a little. I have found its from trying so hard to be good all day at school, and when he gets home it gets to him .Doing this has helped him ajdust and helps for a happier home life for all.