Back to School After Christmas – Helping Your Child Reset

Returning to school after the Christmas holidays can feel like a big adjustment for children and young people. Late nights, relaxed routines, excitement, and family time can make going back to school feel overwhelming—even if they were previously settled. As a parent or carer, there are lots of ways you can support your child to reset gently and confidently. 

How are they feeling? 

Talking with your child about going back to school helps you understand their emotions and reassures them that their feelings matter. Even if they seem fine, a check-in can be helpful. 

• Ask open questions about how they’re feeling about returning to school 

• If they’re worried, explore what’s making them anxious (friendships, schoolwork, routines) 

• Reassure them that it’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves after a long break 

• Praise them for sharing their thoughts and feelings with you 

• Encourage conversations about what they’re looking forward to as well as any worries 

• Share concerns with their teacher if needed so they can offer extra support 

• Remind your child of times they’ve coped well with change before, reinforcing their resilience 

Re-establishing routines 

The Christmas holidays often disrupt normal routines. Gradually reintroducing structure can help children feel safe, prepared, and in control. 

• Start resetting bedtimes a few days before school begins so mornings feel calmer 

• Aim for consistent wake-up times to help regulate sleep patterns 

• Allow plenty of time in the morning for breakfast, getting dressed, and leaving the house 

• Make mornings more enjoyable with music, a checklist, or a calm start to the day 

• Prepare school bags, lunches, and uniforms the night before to reduce stress 

• Talk through the school day so your child knows what to expect 

Helping your child feel positive about returning to school 

Focusing on positives can help shift attention away from worries and build motivation. 

Remind your child of things they might enjoy, such as: 

• Seeing friends again 

• Returning to favourite subjects, clubs, or activities 

• Reconnecting with teachers they like 

• Feeling confident and capable after settling back into routine 

• Regaining independence and responsibility 

You can also involve your child in organising school items like pencil cases, lunchboxes, or planners. This helps build excitement and a sense of ownership. 

Encouraging healthy habits 

Healthy habits support concentration, mood, and energy—especially after the festive period. 

• Offer balanced meals and regular snacks to support learning and focus 

• Encourage hydration throughout the day 

• Prioritise sleep as a key part of emotional wellbeing 

• Balance screen time with physical activity and time outdoors 

• Create space for calm moments after school to relax and unwind 

Be kind to yourselves 

Adjusting back to school takes time. Some children may settle quickly, while others need extra reassurance and patience. Celebrate small successes, keep communication open, and remember that a gentle reset is often more effective than rushing change. 

With understanding, structure, and encouragement, your child can ease back into school feeling supported and ready to learn.