4 Steps to Help Your Child Transition from Holiday Break to School Mode

Back to reality we go. The holiday season has officially come to an end. Holidays are notoriously known as a time of indulgence. Okay, if we’re being honest it’s more like a time of OVER-indulgence. With late nights, midday naps, innumerable hours of screen time, and ALL the snacks waking up to the first real week of 2021 can be rough.

So how do we go from "vacay-mode" to "school-mode”? Here are four steps to help make the transition easier.

• Create a bedtime routine. You're thinking, "umm duh, bedtime is at 8 pm.” If your child woke up at noon, has been lounging all day, and has been going to bed past midnight every day this holiday break, that might be a tough bedtime to implement. Spend extra playtime outside (or dance party indoor!), bath, dinner, and read (or other low energy activity) to unwind before bedtime. Consider including your child in creating their evening routine; it will increase the likelihood they will work with you, not against you.

• Dessert before dinner. Yes, you read that right. Introducing dessert earlier in the day allows for more hours to get your kid settled before bed. Think dessert, playtime (let the sugar rush wear out) dinner, bath time, reading, bed.

• Decide on a breakfast. Yes, a meal that is easy prep for you, and yummy for your child. Again, if possible, include your child in planning their meal. It will give them something to look forward to the next day.

• Lastly, take care of yourself too! Our children feed off our energy. If you are tense and stressed, chances are your child will carry some of the same feelings. Don’t forget to get some “me time,” before tackling these steps.

If while reading this, you’re thinking, “easier said than done,” I can assist you in identifying and implementing a routine tailored to your family’s needs to help ease the stressors of everyday life.

Please contact me at 954-391-5305. I look forward to speaking with you!