Supporting Children Through the Holidays & Easing the Transition Back to School

Ten Tips from Julie Perlow, Kingsley's Director of Student Life

I see firsthand the excitement, change, and—let’s be honest—a fair amount of dysregulation the holiday season brings to our families. Routines shift, sleep schedules adjust, and social calendars grow.

I know how these transitions impact children’s emotional well-being. With a little preparation and a lot of grace, families can support a joyful break and ensure a smooth re-entry into school life.

Part 1: Navigating the Holiday Whirlwind (Surviving the Break) 

The key to a smooth break is balance and predictability where you can find it.

1. Keep a Schedule: While schedules naturally change, try to keep some consistency—mealtimes, rest times, and bedtime—within the day. This predictability creates emotional safety and helps children feel grounded.

2. Build in Downtime: Amidst travel, gatherings, and celebrations, children need unstructured time to rest, play, and process. Even 20–30 minutes of quiet activities (drawing, reading, building) can go a long way. 

3. Prepare for Transitions: Transitions are easier when children know what to expect. Offer simple previews of the plan: "Today we’re going to Grandma’s. First, we eat lunch, then we’ll open presents, and then we say goodbye." Narrating the plan reduces anxiety.

4. Watch for Signs of Overload: Holiday excitement often masks fatigue. If your child becomes more sensitive, impulsive, or clingy, it may be their way of saying "I need a break."

5. Keep Expectations Age-Appropriate: Young children, especially toddlers and early elementary students, may not sit through long adult conversations. Having a plan for movement and breaks helps everyone enjoy the day.

Part 2: The Return to Routine Reset (Smooth Sailing Back) 

The biggest mistake is waiting until the night before school starts to get back on track.

1. Gently Re-Establish Routine (The 3-Day Rule): Three days before returning to school, begin aligning sleep, meals, and morning routines with the school schedule. This helps the body clock adjust gradually, making the first week back feel less abrupt.

2. Talk About School in Positive, Concrete Ways: Children do best when they can visualize what’s ahead. You might say: "On Tuesday, you’ll see your teachers again. I wonder which work you’ll choose first!" (Focus on the familiar.)

3. Validate Mixed Feelings: Some children can’t wait to return; others feel anxious. Both are normal. "It makes sense that you’re excited to see friends, and maybe a little sad the break is ending. Your teachers can’t wait to see you."

4. Create Space for Emotional Re-Adjustment: The first week back may bring big emotions. Give your child extra patience and connection. A few minutes of undivided attention after school can make a big difference in regulating their nervous system.

5. Trust the Process: Children are remarkably resilient. Returning to familiar routines and materials helps them settle back into purposeful work quickly. 

Holidays bring joy, disruption, connection, and change—all experiences that help children grow. By offering structure, empathy, and patience, we support them in navigating this busy season and returning to school ready to thrive.

Wishing your family a peaceful holiday and a gentle, grounded start to the new year.

Julie Perlow, LICSW

Director of Student Life