Getting Back on Track: A Parent's Guide to Post-Holiday School Routines in the New Year.

The holiday season has wound down, and as we settle into 2025, many parents face the familiar challenge of helping their children transition back to school routines. Whether your child is a preschooler or a young teenager, reestablishing structure after weeks of holiday festivities can feel like scaling a mountain. But fear not – with some practical strategies and consistency, you can help your child smoothly return to their school-day rhythm.

Start with Sleep

The foundation of a successful school routine begins with proper sleep habits. Many children have likely enjoyed later bedtimes during the holidays, making the return to early morning wake-ups particularly challenging. Begin adjusting bedtimes gradually, moving them earlier by 15-minute increments over several days. For younger children (ages 3-5), aim for bedtime between 7:00 and 8:00 PM. Elementary school children (6-11) typically need 9-11 hours of sleep, while teenagers (12-14) should get 8-10 hours.

Create Visual Schedules

Children of all ages benefit from visual cues. For preschoolers and early elementary students, consider creating a morning routine chart with pictures showing each step: wake up, brush teeth, get dressed, eat breakfast, and pack backpack. Older elementary and middle school students might prefer a checklist or a simple schedule on their phone. The key is making the routine visible and achievable.

Prep the Night Before

Evening preparation can significantly reduce morning stress. Establish a routine where children:

• Choose and lay out clothes for the next day

• Pack their backpack with completed homework

• Prepare lunch items that can be made ahead

• Place shoes, coats, and other necessities by the door

For teenagers, this might include charging their devices in a designated spot outside their bedroom to prevent late-night screen time.

Manage Screen Time

After weeks of potentially increased screen time during the holidays, returning to school-year limits can be challenging. Set clear boundaries for device use, particularly during morning routines and homework time. For younger children, consider using a timer to signal transitions between activities. Teenagers might benefit from using screen time management apps to help them stay focused during homework hours.

Build in Buffer Time

One of the biggest sources of morning stress is running late. Add 15-20 minutes of buffer time to your morning schedule to account for unexpected delays. This extra time can help children feel less rushed and more capable of handling their responsibilities independently.

Age-Specific Considerations

For Preschoolers (3-5 years): Make routines playful by turning them into games or songs. Use simple rewards like stickers for completing morning tasks independently. Keep the focus on one task at a time to avoid overwhelming young children.

For Elementary Students (6-11 years): Give them more autonomy in managing their routines while maintaining oversight. Create checklists they can mark off themselves, building confidence and responsibility. Use regular check-ins to ensure they're staying on track without micromanaging.

For Young Teens (12-14 years): Involve them in creating their routines, acknowledging their growing independence. Help them understand the connection between good routines and their personal goals. Encourage them to use scheduling tools or apps that appeal to their age group.

Maintaining Consistency

The key to successful routines is consistency. While it may take 2-3 weeks for new habits to feel natural, staying consistent with expectations and consequences helps children adapt more quickly. Remember to:

• Keep weekend schedules relatively similar to avoid Monday morning shock

• Maintain regular meal times to help regulate body clocks

• Celebrate small victories as children readjust to routines

• Model good routine habits yourself

Bringing it together

Remember that returning to school routines is a transition for the whole family. Be patient with your children and yourself as you reestablish structure. Focus on progress rather than perfection, and maintain a positive attitude about returning to regular schedules. With clear expectations, consistent implementation, and age-appropriate approaches, your children can successfully navigate the return to school routines in 2025.

The effort you put into reestablishing routines now will pay dividends throughout the remainder of the school year, helping your children feel more confident, capable, and ready to learn.

You can do this! Stay simple and consistent!

Eleanor Ezell, LCSW