My 6-Year-Old Son Started Screaming Bloody Murder on a Plane. The Reason Isn't At All What You'd Expect.

"Some kids need a very intense bedtime routine, or else they can't relax enough to fall asleep. And some need an intense wake-up routine, or else the world is too much. You mention you don't think your son is neurodivergent, but he could still be sensitive to having too many sensory things happening."

"For example, maybe the light in the morning is way too harsh, and he could use some blackout curtains and a light that gradually brightens in the morning. I personally had to switch to a sunlight alarm for mornings, like this one by Hatch, while my son has a tent bed to keep his room dark until it's time to wake up."

"Music can also help. This depends on what your son likes! But whatev"

A child can have rage meltdowns when freshly awake due to sensitivity to sensory input rather than neurodivergence. Harsh morning light may trigger overstimulation, so reducing brightness with blackout curtains and using a light that gradually brightens can help. A gradual wake-up approach can include a sunlight alarm that increases light over time. Keeping the bedroom dark until wake time, such as using a tent bed, can also support calmer transitions. Music may further help depending on the child’s preferences. Establishing an intense wake-up routine can make the world feel less overwhelming at the start of the day.

Read at Slate Magazine