Transition your kids back into their pre-holiday routines
The holidays are a time for fun and relaxation, but they can also disrupt the daily routine that many kids rely on. As the holiday season comes to an end, it’s important to help kids transition back into their normal routine to ensure a smooth start to the new year. Here are five tips for settling kids back into a routine after the holidays.
Start adjusting bedtimes and wake-up times a few days before the holiday break ends.
If your kids have been staying up late and sleeping in during the holiday break, it’s important to start adjusting their bedtimes and wake-up times a few days before they have to go back to school or resume their usual schedule. This will help prevent the “holiday hangover” and make it easier for them to get back on track.
Establish a consistent bedtime routine.
A consistent bedtime routine can help kids wind down and get ready for sleep. This can include activities such as reading a book, taking a warm bath, or listening to calming music. Stick to the same routine every night to help your child feel calm and secure.
Set clear expectations and rules for the new year.
After the relaxed atmosphere of the holidays, it’s important to set clear expectations and rules for the new year. This can include expectations for homework, screen time, and household chores. Setting these boundaries early on will help your child understand what is expected of them and make it easier for them to get back into the swing of things.
Encourage a healthy diet and plenty of physical activity.
The holidays can often involve indulging in unhealthy foods and spending more time indoors. To help kids get back into a healthy routine, encourage them to eat a balanced diet and get plenty of physical activity. This can include going for a walk or bike ride, joining a sports team, or participating in a fitness class.
Be patient and understanding.
Adjusting to a new routine after the holidays can be challenging for kids, so it’s important to be patient and understanding. If your child is having a hard time adjusting, try to be flexible and offer extra support and encouragement. With time and patience, they will eventually get back into their normal routine.
Have a happy new year!
The holiday season is a time for fun and relaxation, but it’s important to help kids transition back into a routine to ensure a smooth start to the new year. By adjusting bedtimes and wake-up times, establishing a consistent bedtime routine, setting clear expectations and rules, encouraging a healthy diet and plenty of physical activity, and being patient and understanding, you can help your child settle back into their normal routine after the holidays.
Here are some key takeaways.
1. It’s important to help kids transition back into their normal routine after the holidays to ensure a smooth start to the new year.
2. Adjusting bedtimes and wake-up times a few days before the holiday break ends can help prevent the “holiday hangover” and make it easier for kids to get back on track.
3. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help kids wind down and get ready for sleep.
4. Setting clear expectations and rules for the new year can help kids understand what is expected of them and make it easier for them to get back into the swing of things.
5. Encouraging a healthy diet and plenty of physical activity can help kids get back into a healthy routine after the holidays.
6. It’s important to be patient and understanding when helping kids adjust to a new routine after the holidays. With time and patience, they will eventually get back into their normal routine.
For more information about the importance of schedules and routines for children check out this article from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/about-us/article/importance-schedules-routines
Still feeling a bit of holiday stress? Check out our blog post on ways to manage it https://majiky.com/2022/12/17/holiday-stress-h…ts-can-reduce-it/
