Transitioning Back to School After Holiday Break
4 Ways to Support Your Child’s Transition Back to School
Update the family calendar.
Have you or your child found yourself asking “what day is it?” Long breaks from school, particularly during the holidays, tend to throw all routines out the window. To learn more about the benefits of using a family calendar, as well as the benefits of establishing family routines during the holiday season, read Supporting Anxious Children During the Holidays. Add in school start dates, as well as any changes to scheduling in your visual calendar. By having visual reminders, you can help both you and your child prepare for the transition back to school. Visual schedules provide exposure to anticipated or expected change, gradually reducing anxiety about what the brain perceives as “the unknown.”
Start school routines a week prior to back-to-school date.
Natural holiday disruptions, paired with a reduction of school responsibilities and work, have likely thrown off your child’s typical school time schedule. Gradually shifting your child’s basic sleep and eating routines prior to the start of school can support the transition and reduce anticipatory anxiety. If you are having a hard time encouraging your child to go to bed or wake up early, get creative with scheduling. Consider scheduling breakfast during typical school morning times or scheduling a family event during typical after school hours. If your child or teen’s sleep habits have changed drastically, gradually adjust nighttime routines 15-20 minutes earlier to avoid sleep disruption.
Encourage forward and present thinking.
Many post-holiday activities can have children and teenagers thinking or writing about events from the holidays. Holiday festivities can look and feel differently for many students, particularly given the impact that the pandemic has had on families. For many children, talking or sharing about the holidays after break can lead to withdrawal or school refusal. For children who have enjoyed the school break and holiday festivities, going back to structure/responsibility can be overwhelming and lead to refusal of activities. For other children, talking and comparing their experience with others during the holidays can also feel overwhelming. If your child is anxious or hesitant to transition back to school after a break, consider talking with them about the aspects of school they are looking forward to, such as wearing a new pair of shoes, or seeing a friend.
Prep ahead when you can.
Difficulties with adjusting back to school is common. Talk openly with your child about things you or they may anticipate as challenging. If your child anticipates difficulty waking up for school come Monday, help them develop a plan to improve sleep or set alarms days prior. If your child is feeling anxious about integrating back to school, considering helping them explore means for coping. Help them prepare breakfast or lunch the night prior or organize their backpack. Prepare what you can and communicate with your child about the things that they cannot control (despite the desire to). It can be beneficial to help them identify supportive members in school, as well as provide scripts for what to say if they are having a hard time. As a caregiver, you can communicate with your child’s support team about your observations or concerns.
Happy New Year from Behind the Behavior Psychology!
Have questions or looking to learn more information? Contact Dr. Bobal today!