The school holidays can mean later nights, slower mornings, meals at different times and routines becoming a little more relaxed, which is all part of the fun!

But then suddenly… holiday mode is over and it’s back to reality!

School and nursery bring structure back into our children's days: getting up at a certain time, getting dressed, eating breakfast, leaving the house and being ready to learn, eat and sleep at particular times. After weeks away from that routine, it can take a little while for children's body clocks (and their emotions) to catch up.

In this episode, Claire and Becks talk about why the transition back into routine can sometimes be trickier than we expect and the small things we can do to make it easier.

We discuss:

• Why routines help children know what to expect and can help them feel safe and secure.
• How being out of routine can affect sleep, eating and children's ability to recognise what their bodies need.
• Why suddenly going from relaxed holiday days to busy school mornings can result in resistance and challenging behaviour.
• The emotions sitting underneath that 'back-to-school feeling' from excitement and anticipation to worry and separation from parents.
• Why even little things such as new shoes, uniform or unfamiliar lunchboxes and water bottles can feel like a big change.
• How practising with new school or nursery belongings before the first day can help.
• Why it can be helpful to start gradually reintroducing your usual routine during the week before school or nursery starts.
• Re-setting realistic wake-up and bedtime routines.
• How visual timetables can help children understand what is going to happen next.
• And why it is important to give yourself and your child time to get back on track - it doesn't all have to fall perfectly into place on day one.

The more children know what to expect, the easier a transition can feel. A little preparation before the new term can go a long way towards helping everyone move from holiday mode back to everyday life.

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Read our blog: That back-to-school feeling!

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Newborn to Teen and Everything in Between is produced by Decibelle Creative.