After the Holidays

Supporting Our Children (and Ourselves) Through the Return to School

Returning to school after a break can bring up a whole mix of emotions for the entire family. I always notice that I’m managing my own feelings at the same time as supporting my son with his and sometimes that’s the hardest part.

Over the holidays, I have seen such a shift in my son. His shoulders feel lighter. His brilliant sense of humour has been shining, keeping us laughing together. He has been helping around the house, being kind, supportive, and so wonderfully himself. These are the moments I treasure — the ones that remind me who he is underneath the daily pressures of school.

But last night we had our first reminder that the holidays are nearly over.

Bedtime was tough. He could not settle, could not switch off, and his mind was clearly busy. This morning he woke up grumpy, distracted, and snappy… Something I have not heard all week. It is obvious he is thinking about school, even if he can’t put it into words.

And that made me pause.

It made me reflect on how best to support him today, while still helping us both enjoy the time we have left before the routine returns. These moments — the wobbly ones — are where our children show us their clues. And when we notice them, we can respond with gentleness instead of frustration.

For us, what helps most is:

• Giving him more processing time  He needs space to think, breathe, and adjust.

• Keeping my voice calm  Even when I’m feeling stretched myself.

• Using neutral facial and body language  It helps him feel safe and not “in trouble”.

• Adding in silliness when things feel heavy  A little humour goes a long way for him.

• Offering lots of praise and positive talk  It reminds him he’s capable, loved, and not alone.

  
  

These small shifts make such a difference to how the day unfolds — for him and for me.

That is why I created the two gentle posters that go with this blog, one showing the clues our children give us, and one offering ways we can look after ourselves during these transitions.

Because the truth is: When our children wobble, we wobble too.  And both of us deserve care, patience, and softness as we find our way back into routine.

If your child is showing clinginess, tiredness, snappy moments, or “I don’t want to go!” today — you are not doing anything wrong. These are normal signs of a child trying to shift gears after a break.

And if you are feeling stretched, tired, or a little wobbly too — that’s normal as well.

You’re doing your best and that is more than enough.