The holidays and festivities are a magical time, but they can disrupt the regular routines that help children feel grounded. After weeks of festive fun, returning to structure can be challenging. We all know how easy it is to slip out of a routine. Sometimes, all it takes is a busy day or unexpected interruption to throw our usual schedule and habits out.Routines are helpful because they keep us organised. They help us feel calm and in control of what we want to get done each day. So when they are interrupted, it makes sense that we may start feeling stressed — especially when it’s time to get our routine back to normal.
Pre-schoolers too thrive on consistency, so gently reintroducing structure after a break can help them feel secure and calm. Here are some practical strategies to ease your child back into a routine after the festive holidays. These tips will ensure a smoother transition for the entire family.
Gradually reintroduce structure
- Start early: Begin a few days before the end of the break by shifting wake-up times slightly earlier and incorporating small parts of the daily routine.
- Re-establish bedtime and wake-up times a few days before routines fully resume. Gradually move bedtime earlier by 10–15 minutes each night until you’re back to your usual schedule.
- Create a calming bedtime routine (bath, story-time) to signal that festive excitement is winding down.
- Focus on key activities: Prioritize consistent mealtimes and regular bedtime routines, as these provide comfort and a sense of stability.
Involve your child in the process
- Use visual schedules Pre-schoolers find comfort in predictable patterns. Use visual schedules (pictures of breakfast, playtime, nap, etc.) to remind them what comes next in the day.
- Narrate transitions: “After breakfast, we’ll get dressed and go for a walk.”
- Organize supplies:Lay out clothes and organize school supplies the night before to make mornings run more smoothly.
- After busy social days, your child may need extra one-on-one time to reconnect and feel grounded.
- Simple activities like reading together or going for a walk can help them adjust emotionally.
Make transitions fun
- Turn tasks into games:Make routine activities like getting dressed or putting away belongings more engaging by turning them into a game or singing songs together.
- Use a "soundtrack": Give different transitions their own song to signal when it's time to switch activities.
- Be a team:Instead of just telling your child what to do, engage in routines together as a team to make it a collaborative and positive experience.
- Carry forward small traditions Instead of abruptly ending all the fun, carry forward small traditions — maybe keep one decoration up for a few days or plan a “holiday memory” craft to talk about favourite moments.
- Preserve holiday memories: Children may feel sad about their adventures and extra time with family ending. Help your child preserve those fun memories of the holidays: with a video or slideshow of their favourite moments, by drawing or painting a picture of the good times they had. • When your child gets a chance to preserve their holiday memories, they can revisit them in the future when they are back in their regular routine. • This helps children understand that celebrations end but happy memories remain.
- Be Patient and Consistent
- It’s normal for children to test limits after a break in routine. Stay calm and consistent with expectations — the stability you provide helps them settle back faster.
