Have you ever heard of the Momwell podcast? There’s an episode that re-aired lately that I think could help about transitions. It’s framed toward school, however they do mention how transitions in general can cause this sort of meltdown and have a few options to try as well as extra resources to look into. ❤️
@Victoria we try to do some activity every weekend to get the kids out of the house. I like them to get out as much as possible, especially when dad is gone, to help keep them busy and their mind off it. It’s just been tough for me lately because I’m recovering from pneumonia, so I haven’t been able to do too much physical activity on my own at the moment, and I think that’s part of the problem here to be honest….I do try to give him an activity to work on, whether it’s coloring, drawing, or those activity books, but his attention span for projects isn’t all there yet. He’ll give me maybe 3-5 minutes before he’s over it, lol. We have been spending some one on one time with him ever since his sister was born, which is obviously more do able once my husband is home or if I have family in town. Once I get his sister down for a nap, I also give him some snuggle time and play with him. Sleep wise, he loves his bed, but I usually lay with him until he falls asleep.
@Victoria he’s also welcome to sleep in my room whenever he wants/needs, but he normally chooses not to unless he has a bad dream. I do need to find a reliable babysitter here though.
@Emma I never heard of that podcast, but it’s something I will definitely check out! I think the school subject would help him as well since he’s still kind of so-so at daycare/preschool.
If possible, can you plan family activities for the weekend? (ie a trip to the zoo) Or, maybe have him work on something for when dad gets back. (ie “I’m going to put your sister down for a nap. Let’s make a poster for your dad when he gets back home. Do you think you can start it while I put your sister down for a nap, and then I’ll help?” Start with asking him to draw the family, then maybe the next day draw the house, the next day he can add on an activity he likes to do as a family, etc As for bed time, would it be possible to put his bed in your room temporarily? Hoping it’s not a huge bed or too much hassle. If it is, maybe put an air mattress in his room and “sleep” there (if you don’t want to spend the night maybe just go there in the morning so he thinks you slept in his room?) Also, is it possible to get a babysitter for your daughter one day so you can give him a day to himself? He’s not used to change and he’s likely feeling stressed.