The end of School Holidays often brings a mixed of emotions with some kids being excited to go back to see friends, while other feeling anxious and unmotivated. After two weeks of flexible routines and kids having a general sense of freedom, no matter how your kid is feeling about going back to school, most parents often feel the pressure to get back into routine and keep the motivation high. The good news? With the right strategies, you can make the back-to-school transition feel exciting and manageable for everyone.
Here are 8 practical tips and resources to help your child feel positives and motivated about returning to school:
1. Ease the family back into Routines Early
Kids thrive on structure. Easing your child back into school-mode by reintroducing the basic structures of their school routine 3-4 days before school starts will have them prepared for the first day.
Tips:
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- Create a countdown calendar leading up to their first day
- Begin waking up and going to bed 15 minutes earlier each day
- Use a visual schedule. For a Free Visual Routine Planner by Twinkl click here
2. Reflect on Holiday Highlights
Take time to talk about the fun times they had over the holidays. Not only does it create closure but also allows kids feel heard and understood, which makes them more open to transitioning back to school.
Tips:
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- Create a photo collage or memory jar of their favourite holiday moments.
- Ask: What are you looking forward to telling your teachers and friends about your Holiday?
- Validate any sadness – let them know it is okay to feel a bit disappointed that the holidays are over
3. Talk About What They are Looking Forward To
Kids tend to focus on what they are losing. For example, time at home but you can help them
notice what they are gaining when they return to school such as, friends, learning cool things, fun activities.
Tips:
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- Start conversations that shift the focus: ‘what’s something fun that is happening in Term 2?’
‘Who are you excited to see again?’
‘Is there a subject or activity you have missed?’ - If they are unsure, remind them off the small positives such a lunch time with friends or positive things that happened the previous term
- Start conversations that shift the focus: ‘what’s something fun that is happening in Term 2?’
4. Set Small, Motivating Goals Together
Kids feel more engaged when they have a sense of purpose and ownership over their progress. Setting a few simple goals which could be academic, social, or personal will give them something to aim for, which can spark motivation.
Tips:
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- Sit down and brainstorm together. Ask questions such ‘what’s something you’d like to get better at this term?’
- Keep goals short-term and doable such as, “read one new book a week” or “say hi to someone new in class.”
- Write them down, decorate them and put them somewhere they will see daily.
- A great resource is Twinkl Balloon Goal Setting Activity
5. Make Back to School Prep Feel Fun
Involving your child in getting ready for school helps them feel more in control and by making it fun can go a long way in building excitement.
Tips:
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- Go shopping together and let them pick one or two items they are excited about e.g. new lunchbox or stickers.
- Create a scavenger hunt around the house with their school items they need to pack in their bag.
- Redecorate their learning space at home
6. Prepare for Worries, Give Them the Tools
Even the most confident kids can feel nervous about returning to school as they can feel a sense of unknown of what the term will bring. Make them prepared for those big emotions by giving them the tools to cope can help them feel more in control.
Tips:
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- Ask open questions such as, ‘is there anything you’re a bit nervous about?’
- Give them daily positive notes to read at school.
- Practice breathing exercises or begin mindful activities such as a ‘worry journal’ or use resources such as Smiling Mind app, a free mindfulness app for kids
7. Model a Positive Attitude
Kids take emotional cues from adults. If you are upbeat, encouraging and calm even when your child is resistant, they will slowly adapt your energy about returning to school.
Tips:
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- Say things like ‘your teacher is going to love hearing your stories about your holiday!’
- Stay positive even when they are not.
- Mention memories or elements of school you enjoyed8
8. Celebrate the First Week Back
Positive reinforcement boost motivation and gives your child something to look forward to after their first few days back.
Tips:
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- Plan with them a special ‘first week Friday’ celebration such as movie night, taking them out for a treat after school or organising a play date with friends.
- Praise their resilience with words such as ‘you made it through your first week! I’m so proud of how you handled it.’
The return to school doesn’t have to be filled with dread. With a little preparation, adding some fun and keeping open communication with your child will help them transition smoothly back into school. Small gestures, daily check-ins and intentional language all add up to confident motivated students and will support them into the future.
