Tips for Returning to School After a Break

For kids (and adults!), returning to school or a regular schedule following a break is hard. Luckily, there are ways parents and caregivers can support their student’s successful transition back to school after Winter Break on Monday, January 6, 2025.    

Sleep Tip 

Sleep schedules often shift toward staying up and waking up later over breaks, leading to problems getting to sleep at a reasonable time after break. Encourage your child or teen to keep a consistent routine of going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. If this isn't realistic, do your best to slowly move up bed and wake times until your child is sleeping and waking at the desired times for school.

Travel Tip 

If your family has been away, plan to have at least one day at home for your student(s) to relax and recoup before their first day back at school.   

Emotional Support Tip  

Lastly, it is common for kids to feel anxiety about returning to school. Families can help their student(s) work through these feelings by:  

1. Actively listening and validating the child’s feelings of unease 
2. Reminding the child that it is completely normal to feel uncomfortable during times of transition  
3. Reinforcing that you have full confidence in your student’s ability to handle the transition back to school 

Finally, remember that you have caring adults at school that are available to support your student and family’s efforts in prioritizing regular school attendance. Here’s to a healthy, happy and joyful holiday season!