Back to School After Summer: Helping Kids Ease Back into Routine
Are your kids already groaning every time someone mentions school? Maybe you’ve heard, “Why does summer have to end?” more than once this week. Whether your family’s been soaking up long beach days or just enjoying slower mornings, the thought of jumping back into alarm clocks, homework, and packed lunches can feel abrupt. Even when your child isn’t starting at a new school, the transition from summer freedom to school-year structure can be tough. The good news? With a little preparation and support, the return to routine doesn’t have to feel like whiplash—for them or for you.
The return to school after summer break can bring up big feelings—even when your child isn’t starting at a new school. Kids and teens often grow comfortable in the slower pace of summer. They’ve gotten used to sleeping in, spending more time outside (or on their devices), and enjoying a break from structure.
So when the school year comes back around, even familiar routines—like the same school building, teacher style, or friend group—can feel like a lot to re-enter all at once.
9 tips to help your child ease back into the school year with confidence while reducing stress.
1. Shift Routines—Gently and Early
Summer routines tend to be relaxed: later nights, less structured days, more time with parents/friends, and screen time that stretches longer than usual. That’s okay—and expected. But jumping straight from summer mode to school mornings can be rough.
Start shifting routines about one to two weeks before school starts:
Gradually move bedtime earlier in 10–15 minute increments
Wake kids a little earlier each day
Reintroduce morning routines like getting dressed, brushing teeth, and eating breakfast at a set time
If your child has a hard time with transitions, start even earlier. Some kids, especially those with anxiety or ADHD, benefit from lots of predictability and repetition to adjust to changes.
Creating a simple visual schedule or checklist of the morning routine can help. Let your child decorate it or cross off tasks each day to feel more involved.
2. Make Back-to-School Prep Collaborative
Even when kids know their school, the return from summer can stir up nervousness. Letting them help with the preparation can bring back a sense of control and excitement.
Involve your child in:
Picking out school supplies
Choosing a new water bottle, lunchbox, or backpack charm
Organizing their backpack or workspace at home
Reviewing their class schedule or teacher assignment
For teens, you might sit down and look at the semester calendar together. Talk through when they expect things to feel busy and what they want to plan ahead for.
With younger children, they may enjoy helping you decide what after school activities they’ll participate in.
When kids have a say in how they get ready, it can make even small tasks feel empowering.
3. Talk About the Familiar—Not Just the New
A lot of back-to-school content focuses on “big changes” like new schools or new teachers. But for many kids, the challenge isn’t something new—it’s reconnecting with what already exists.
You can help by talking about what’s familiar:
“Remember how much you liked the reading corner in your classroom?”
“I wonder if you'll still have snack outside this year—it seemed like you really enjoyed that last year.”
“You were sitting with Jacob at lunch a lot last spring—do you think you’ll do that again?”
“You will be doing Kids on Campus again after school this year. I know Abby is also signed up for it.”
These small reminders help ground kids in what they already know, which reduces anxiety and builds confidence.
4. Normalize Mixed Emotions
Even if nothing is “new,” your child may still feel off balance. You might notice they’re more irritable, tired, or withdrawn as the first day of school gets closer. Sometimes, they can seem more hyper or energized and hard to calm down. This doesn’t mean they’re being dramatic about school starting—it means their nervous system is recalibrating.
Let them know it’s okay to feel excited and nervous at the same time.
You might say, “Even when we’re going back to something we know, it can still feel like a big shift. That makes sense.”
You can also reflect on past experiences: “Remember last year you felt unsure at first, but then by the second week it felt totally normal again?”
Even if your child doesn’t engage in the conversation or is not a big talker, this kind of conversation helps your child trust their ability to adjust. You can open the door to the conversation but it’s okay if they don’t want to talk a lot about it.
5. Warm Up the Learning Brain
You don’t need to assign worksheets or drill flashcards. But after a long break, helping your child ease back into a learning mindset can make the return smoother.
Try light activities that encourage focus, creativity, or problem-solving:
Reading a favorite book (or listening to an audiobook together)
Doing a puzzle or board game
Building something with LEGOs or crafting
For older kids: listening to a podcast, watching a documentary, or setting a goal for the year
This isn’t about school prep—it’s about reactivating their “learning brain” in a gentle, enjoyable way.
6. Revisit Home Routines and Expectations
After a summer of looser boundaries, it helps to revisit (or reset) your family's routines around screen time, meals, chores, and bedtime.
For example:
No screens during breakfast or 30 minutes before bed
20 minutes of quiet time after school before starting homework
Weekly “Sunday night check-ins” to plan for the week ahead
Kids with ADHD, executive functioning challenges, or anxiety often benefit from a written version of the routine—either a checklist or a visual chart.
And remember: start with just a few key routines and build from there. You don’t have to do everything all at once.
7. Support Social Reconnection
Even when your child knows their classmates, it’s common to feel rusty with social skills after summer. Friendships can shift, and group dynamics might take time to reestablish.
Help your child feel more socially ready by:
Reaching out to a few classmates before school starts to hang out
Reminding them of simple conversation starters like, “What did you do this summer?” or “Want to sit together at lunch?”
Role-playing how to join a group or ask to play
Reflecting on positive social moments from last year
For older kids, acknowledging the awkwardness can go a long way. You might say, “Sometimes those first few days feel weird socially—but it usually settles down. You’ll find your rhythm again.”
8. Celebrate Small Successes
Once school starts, don’t wait for a good test grade or the first report card to celebrate progress. Did they pack their backpack? Say hi to a friend? Show up even when they didn’t feel like it? That counts.
Acknowledging small moments builds motivation and resilience. Try saying, “I know you were nervous about math, but you did it anyway. That’s something to be proud of.”
Keep checking in with open-ended questions:
“What was something that surprised you today?”
“What was the hardest part of your day?”
“Is there anything we could change to make tomorrow easier?”
“What went well today?”
9. Keep the Big Picture in Mind
Returning to the same school doesn’t guarantee a smooth transition—and that’s okay. Some kids take longer to settle in. Some will hit the ground running, then have a rough patch a few weeks in.
Stay flexible. Adjust routines if they’re not working. Offer support when it’s needed—and independence when your child is ready for it.
And don’t forget to care for yourself too. This is a transition for the whole family. Find moments of calm, connection, and celebration as you all settle into a new rhythm.
Need more support for back-to-school transitions?
At Child Psychology Center, we support children and teens across California who are navigating school routines, anxiety, executive functioning challenges, and more. Whether it’s the first day back or week three, we’re here to help your family thrive.
Our Services
Child Psychology Center offers neuro-affirming, culturally competent, evidence-based therapy for children (ages 0+), teens and caregivers. We offer virtual therapy for people throughout all of California, and we offer in-person therapy near San Diego (in Carlsbad, CA) and Sacramento. Our services are available in both English and Mandarin. Our licensed psychologists offer psychological assessments. While our therapists specialize in treating children, we also treat adults. We specialize in treating anxiety, child behavioral problems, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), ADHD, Autism, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). We offer parent coaching and consultation. We would love to support you along your journey. Reach out for a free 15-minute consultation today!
