Welcome back to school after what was hopefully a fun and restful Christmas break for everyone.
For some students, returning to school is exciting; however, for many, the transition back to routines and expectations can be challenging. Additionally, this time of year often brings what is commonly referred to as the “winter blahs.” While we may not always think about it, children can experience these feelings as well.
With this in mind, I wanted to share an article I recently read that offers helpful insight into supporting children as they transition back to school after the holidays. I especially appreciated this resource because many of the strategies can be used throughout the winter months to help combat the winter blues and encourage a positive outlook as we look ahead to spring.
I hope the new year is off to a wonderful start for everyone. Stay healthy, and let’s make the best of our Michigan winter.
Warm regards,
Mrs. M. Jones
9 Ways to Ensure a Smooth School Transition After the Holidays
By Holly Garcia Published on December 31, 2024
Reviewed by Laura Anderson Kirby, PhD
Winter break is a jolly time of the year for many children. They can sleep in later, swap homework for fun activities, and indulge in sweet treats with their families. It's no wonder kids often struggle when returning to their regularly scheduled programming in January!
“Shifting out of the holiday break is tough for all ages. As parents, we’re familiar with the 'Sunday scaries.' Likewise, kids get the 'school scaries' at the end of break," says Ashley Junghans-Rutelonis, PhD, a clinical psychologist and owner of AJR & Co. Consulting.
The post-holiday blues don’t stick around long-term, but you can still help your child manage their feelings as they transition back to school. Keep reading for nine tips on getting your child excited for class after winter break.
1. Create a Back-to-School Countdown
Kids love a good countdown. Just like they might track the days to Christmas with an Advent calendar, they can count down to their first day back at school. This way, the transition won't creep up on them, and they'll be able to mentally prepare. Countdown ideas include a paper chain or a calendar that lets them "cross off" each day.
2. Make Fun Goals for the Year Ahead
The end of break coincides with the start of the new year, which is prime time to reflect and set new goals. Do your kids want to improve their grades? Read more books? Join a school club? Use the opportunity to talk with your children about what excitement could await in the weeks and months ahead.
3. Plan Post-Holiday Time Together
Kids often spend more quality time with their caregivers during winter break, and they might feel sad when the bonding ends. To continue the spirit of togetherness, plan some family weekend activities for January and February, suggests Dr. Junghans-Rutelonis. "Put the plans on a calendar or print out a description to hang on the fridge" as a fun reminder of what's to come.
4. Celebrate Going "Back to School"
Parents often celebrate back-to-school season in the fall, so why not do the same after winter break? You can mark the occasion by trying a new recipe together, seeing a movie, hosting a family game night, or throwing a photo shoot. The possibilities are endless! The goal is to make the school transition feel special, getting kids excited to head back to class.
5. Schedule a Playdate
In the days before school starts, consider arranging a playdate with one of your child's friends, which might spark excitement about reuniting with their peers. It can also make the transition less overwhelming for children who feel jittery about the social aspects of school.
6. Establish Your Routines Again
Morning routines are helpful for school-aged kids to set expectations. A few days before break ends, you should re-establish their school-day schedule: getting up early, picking out an outfit, making breakfast, etc. This way, on the first day back, you won't be rushing against the clock as kids get used to their old routines again.
7. Create a Worry Box
The post-holiday blues can also be fueled by anxiety about going back to school. Dr. Junghans-Rutelonis suggests creating a "worry box" to help children express their fears, whether they're focused on homework, social pressures, or anything else.
"Parents and kids each write down a worry (or a few), read the worry out loud, crumple it up, and throw it in the worry box," she says. This reinforces that everyone has worries taking up space in their heads, and it gives them an alternative place to go.
8. Validate Your Child's Feelings
No matter how your kiddo is coping with the back-to-school transition, reinforce the fact that their feelings are valid. Kids benefit when parents provide space for them to talk freely, says Dr. Junghans-Rutelonis. They'll realize you're always available for support. You can also normalize their experience by sharing that you, too, experience the post-holiday blues.
9. Work Up a Sweat
Physical activity benefits kids' mental health. Indeed, just one session of cardiovascular exercise can increase mood-boosting chemicals and reduce stress hormones.1
Before school starts, “find the right activity for your child and make it fun," says Dr. Junghans-Rutelonis. Her suggestions include a game of tag, hiking, winter activities like snowball fights and sledding, basketball at the gym, or an active board game. Bonus points if you get into the action and take advantage of those feel-good hormones, too!
