Helping Children Get Excited About Returning to School After a Long Holiday

Long school holidays can make children feel uneasy and reluctant to return to school, often coming up with excuses to delay going back. When summer vacation ends, it can be challenging to restore children’s enthusiasm for learning and activities.

Tips to Help Children Re-Engage with School

1. Adjust Sleep and Eating Routines
   Holidays often disrupt children’s sleep and eating patterns, causing fatigue and difficulty concentrating. Start re-establishing regular bedtimes, wake-up times, and balanced meals a few days before school starts.

2. Help Children Adapt
   Children may need time to adjust to school routines and extracurricular activities. Create a daily schedule that balances study, play, and rest to ease their transition.

3. Prepare School Supplies Together
   Take children shopping for new school supplies, letting them choose designs and colors they like. This involvement increases excitement. Set up a quiet, comfortable study space at home, decorated with their favorite items.

4. Discuss Concerns Openly
   If a child shows reluctance to return, talk with them to understand underlying worries—academic pressure, social issues, or anxiety. Listen carefully, provide support, and praise achievements to motivate continued effort.

5. Engage in Fun Activities
   Spend family time doing enjoyable activities like going to the park, hiking, or playing games. This not only boosts children’s enthusiasm but also strengthens family bonds.

6. Gradually Reduce Screen Time
   Children often increase device use during holidays. Slowly cutting back screen time before school helps refocus their attention on learning activities.

7. Offer Praise and Incentives
   Recognize children’s efforts in preparing for school with small rewards, such as for waking up early or packing their own backpack. This builds confidence and motivation.

8. Share Positive School Stories
   Remind children about fun aspects of school—seeing friends, favorite activities, and learning new things—to create a hopeful and positive outlook.

9. Set New Goals
   Discuss new academic or extracurricular goals for the upcoming term, such as improving grades or trying new activities, to inspire motivation.

10. Create a Supportive Home Environment
    A positive, supportive family atmosphere helps children feel comfortable sharing feelings and adapting to school routines smoothly.