6 Tips on Getting Kids Back to Routine After The Holidays
The holiday break is a wonderful time for kids to relax, have fun, and spend quality time with family and friends. However, transitioning back to the regular routine after the break can be challenging for both children and parents. In this blog, we will explore some effective strategies to help you get your kids back on track and smoothly transition them back into their regular routine.
1. Gradual Transition: Rather than abruptly jumping back into the regular routine, try to ease your children into it gradually. Start by reintroducing a few familiar activities a few days before school starts. This could include setting regular meal times, bedtime routines, and engaging in educational activities to stimulate their minds.
2. Establish a Consistent Schedule: Children thrive on routine and structure. Establishing a consistent schedule helps them feel secure and know what to expect. Create a daily schedule that includes expected times for waking up, meals, homework, playtime, and bedtime. Display the schedule visibly so that your children can refer to it and follow along.
3. Set Clear Expectations: Communicate with your children about the expectations and responsibilities they have during the regular routine. Discuss the importance of school, homework, chores, and extracurricular activities. Encourage them to take ownership of their responsibilities and emphasize the benefits of being organized and prepared.
4. Encourage Healthy Habits: During the holiday break, it's common for routines to be relaxed, including sleep and eating habits. As you transition back, prioritize healthy habits. Ensure your children are getting enough sleep by gradually adjusting their bedtime routine. Encourage nutritious meals and snacks to provide them with the energy they need for the day.
5. Reflect on the Memories Made: No one wants the holidays to end! Your children especially, may have enjoyed having you home and spending family time together. Closer to the end of the break have some fun by creating artwork or write a story about the fun memories they made during the break. This will not only get your kiddos brains working again, it will also be a fun moment of reflection for the family - and you get a keepsake to add to the collection.
6. Be Patient and Supportive: Remember that transitioning back to the regular routine takes time and patience. Your children may experience some resistance or difficulty adjusting. Be understanding and supportive, offering encouragement and praise for their efforts. Celebrate small victories and provide reassurance that they will soon adapt to the routine.
Transitioning kids back to their regular routine after the holiday break can be a smooth process with the right strategies in place. By gradually reintroducing activities, establishing a consistent schedule, setting clear expectations and having some time to reflect on the fun had over the break, you can help your children ease back into their routine and set them up for success. Remember, consistency and understanding are key to a successful transition.
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Written by: Ivonne Hammoud MSW, RSW
Ivonne is the owner, and clinical therapist at New Moon Counselling. She is passionate about supporting her clients through whatever challenges come their way. Ivonne bring an enthusiastic, inovative and down to earth approach to her therapy. She works primarily with adults and couples. Not currently accepting new clients.