Back to School Reflections: Balancing Change, Routine, and Wellbeing

The end of summer marks the beginning of a familiar yet often daunting transition: returning to school and the routine that comes hand-in-hand with this. For some children, this means stepping back into a familiar classroom after six weeks away, however for others, it might mean walking into an entirely new school, with new faces, routines, and expectations. No matter the circumstances, this shift can be a significant challenge for children and the adults supporting them as they adapt to returning or new routines.

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The Weight of Change

After weeks of long summer days that come with more freedom and flexibility, adjusting to the structure of school life can feel overwhelming. The early starts, the discipline of homework and the expectations of wearing a uniform all arrive with intensity after such a long break, and often, even when children are excited to return, the shift in environment and routine can stir up feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, or fatigue.

Emotional Responses Are Normal

It’s important to recognise that worries, fears, or even resistance to returning to school are natural. Children are navigating a significant change in their daily life - one that asks them to adapt quickly to structure, manage social dynamics, and handle academic pressures. These emotions are not signs of weakness but reminders that transitions and changes to routine are rarely seamless.

Supporting Children Through the Transition

As parents, carers, teachers, or professionals, our role is not to remove the challenges altogether, but to help children feel as supported as possible whilst navigating them. This requires patience, understanding, and the ability to listen to what children are expressing, even if at times, this comes through behaviour rather than words.

Some gentle strategies that can help include:

• Re-establishing routines gradually before school starts: earlier bedtimes, structured mornings, and practice with school bags or uniforms can all help to reduce the feelings that come with a sudden routine change.

• Validating feelings: reminding children it is common to feel nervous or unsettled, and that others may feel the same way.

• Building in calm moments: allowing children to experience downtime after school, to balance the intensity of their new schedule.

• Staying connected: checking in with children about their day, celebrating their small wins, and offering reassurance through consistency are all great strategies for supporting children throughout this change.

  
  

A Shared Milestone

Returning to school is more than just another date on the calendar - it’s a milestone that carries weight for children and adults alike, and by ensuring that we approach this time with empathy, flexibility, and support, we can help to transform what may feel like an overwhelming transition into an opportunity for growth, resilience, and new beginnings.

As this new school year begins, may we all remember that behind every timetable and uniform is a child learning not just lessons from books, but lessons about themselves, their resilience, and the power of feeling understood.