The end of the summer holidays can feel like a Sunday evening on a grand scale, can’t it? There’s that familiar mix of feelings: a quiet sadness that the long, sun-drenched days of freedom are over, but also, if we’re being honest, a little sigh of relief at the thought of reclaiming some routine. For our children, this transition can be a huge emotional hurdle. The shift from spontaneous adventures and late nights to structured days and early mornings is a jolt to the system. Successfully restarting school is less about a sudden switch and more about a gentle, supportive journey back.

If the thought of restarting school fills you with a sense of dread, you are not alone. Many parents find this period challenging, as we juggle our own feelings with our children’s anxieties, big and small. But with a little preparation and a lot of compassion, you can transform this transition from a source of stress into a moment of connection. Here are seven proven, heart-centred tips to help your family find its rhythm again.

1. Gently Reawaken the Routine

Summer often runs on its own relaxed rhythm, which is a world away from the school-day clock. Instead of abruptly switching back, think of it as slowly turning up the lights. A sudden change can feel jarring, but a gradual reawakening allows everyone’s body and mind to adjust comfortably.

Start by nudging bedtime earlier by about 15 minutes every few nights in the week or two before term begins. This avoids the shock of a sudden, much earlier night and the battles that can come with it. You can also do a few “dress rehearsals” of your morning routine. Make it a game, see if you can all get ready and out of the door for a pretend school run, perhaps ending in a trip to the park. It re-familiarises everyone with the pace of a school morning without the pressure.

2. Nurture a Positive Mindset for Restarting School

It’s completely normal for children to have mixed feelings about restarting school. They might be excited to see their friends but nervous about a new teacher or harder work. Our role isn’t to dismiss their worries but to help them nurture a sense of positive anticipation. Acknowledge their feelings first: “I know it can feel a bit wobbly thinking about going back, that’s totally okay.”

Then, gently shift the focus. Spend some time talking about what they are looking forward to. Is it a particular friend they’ve missed? A favourite subject? The school’s climbing frame? Reading age-appropriate stories about starting school or making friends can also be a wonderful way to normalise the experience and open up conversations in a safe, imaginative space.

3. Make Preparations a Team Effort

Turning school preparations into a shared project can transform them from a chore into a moment of connection. When children feel involved in the process, they gain a sense of ownership and control, which can be incredibly empowering when they’re feeling anxious.

Take them with you when you buy their new supplies. Letting them choose their own lunchbox, pencil case, or school bag gives them something tangible and exciting to focus on. Once you’re home, create a “mission control” centre together for all their school things. Labelling books, packing their bag for the first day, and laying out their uniform together builds their responsibility and eases that feeling of being swept along by events.

4. Create a Calm Homework Haven

In a busy family home, finding a quiet space to think can be a challenge. Creating a dedicated homework haven sends a clear message that their schoolwork is important and that they deserve a calm environment to focus in. This doesn’t have to be a separate office; a quiet corner of the kitchen table or a small desk in their bedroom works perfectly.

The key is to make it an inviting space. Ensure it’s well-lit and as free from distractions as possible. Then, let them personalise it. A new pot for their pens, a small plant, or a picture of the family can make it feel like their special space, turning homework from a battleground into a peaceful retreat.

5. Hold Space for Their Worries

Sometimes, our instinct as parents is to fix our children’s worries immediately. But often, what they need most is for us to simply listen and hold space for their feelings. Validating their anxiety is the first step to helping them manage it. Simple words like, “It sounds like you’re feeling really nervous about that,” can make a world of difference.

Gentle, non-pressured chats are perfect for this. Car journeys, bedtime, or even just a quiet moment together can be an invitation to talk. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are you feeling about seeing everyone again?” If you can, a quick visit to the school playground before term starts can also help. It makes the building feel familiar and less intimidating, taking some of the fear out of that first-day drop-off.

6. Reconnect with Healthy Habits

Good food, proper rest, and physical movement are the foundations of our well-being, and they are especially crucial during times of transition. These healthy habits provide the energy and resilience our children need to manage the big feelings that come with restarting school.

Rather than imposing a sudden screen-time ban, try introducing a “digital sunset” where all screens are put away at least an hour before bedtime. This allows their minds to unwind and prepare for sleep. Similarly, build some movement into your day. A family walk or a bike ride after dinner can be a wonderful way to burn off anxious energy and reconnect with each other.

7. Stay Gently Connected

Your support doesn’t end at the school gates. Staying gently connected to their school life helps you spot any potential issues early and reinforces the message that you are always there for them. This doesn’t mean you need to be involved in every detail, but showing you’re interested is powerful.

Create a small daily ritual, like asking, “What was the best part of your day?” over dinner. Listen to the small stories as well as the big ones. It’s also helpful to view your child’s teacher as a partner. A short, friendly email at the beginning of term to introduce yourself and open the lines of communication can build a supportive bridge between home and school.

You’ve Got This

Navigating the return to school is a journey, not a race. It’s about connection, preparation, and a whole lot of empathy—for your child and for yourself. Remember that you are their safe harbour in this transition, and every small step you take to support them makes a huge difference. Be patient, be present, and know that you are not alone in this.

You’re doing a great job. Take one of these steps today, and trust that you’ve got this.

Make the back-to-school shift calmer together

If early mornings, wobbly goodbyes, or after-school meltdowns are wearing everyone out, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Book a free 15-minute discovery call and we’ll:

• map your child’s biggest transition triggers

• create a simple routine for smoother mornings & softer evenings

• give you one script you can use tonight to reduce overwhelm

Frequently Asked Questions About Restarting School

1. How do I get my child excited about restarting school?

Focus on the positives, like seeing friends, their favourite subjects, or new activities, and involve them in preparations like choosing their own school supplies.

2. What is the best way to fix my child's sleep schedule for school?

Gradually adjust their bedtime by 15 minutes earlier every few nights rather than making a sudden change.

3. How can I help my child with back-to-school anxiety?

Talk openly about their worries, validate their feelings without judgment, and practice parts of the school routine to build familiarity.

4. Why is my child so emotional about going back to school?

It is a major transition from the freedom of the holidays to a structured routine, which can trigger feelings of anxiety, loss, and uncertainty.

5. What should I do if my child refuses to go to school?

Stay calm, listen to their concerns to understand the root cause, and work collaboratively with the school to create a supportive plan.

Read the latest article: “How to Support Your Child During the First Month of School”