Supporting Your Child’s Routine During the Holidays

• December 23, 2025
• Posted By : Sarah
• 0 Comment

Happy holidays!

As we head into this joyful (and sometimes very exciting!) break, we wanted to share a few simple ideas that make an enormous difference in helping our young children feel calm, regulated, and ready to learn when we all come back together in January.

The holiday season often means later bedtimes, more screens, visitors, and changes in routine; all of which are fun but can make little bodies and brains feel a bit “wobbly” when school starts again. Even small steps toward these habits over the next few weeks help children return happier and more settled.

Little things that make a BIG difference after a holiday break:

• Early, consistent bedtimes & sleeping in their own bed
• Aim for 10–11 hours of sleep (e.g., asleep by 7:30–8:00 pm). A calm, screen-free wind-down (books, bath, cuddles) starting 45–60 minutes before lights-out works wonders.
• Very limited recreational screens, especially in the late afternoon/evening
• Fast-paced games and videos rev up the nervous system and make it much harder for children to keep hands, feet, and bodies safe when they return to school.
• Family meals together whenever possible
• Even a quick breakfast or simple dinner with no phones/tablets helps children practice waiting, passing, and sitting; skills that carry straight into our classroom circle and snack times.
• Simple daily jobs at home
• Setting the table, putting away toys, helping wrap presents, carrying bags in from the car, feeding the pet; these tiny responsibilities build the same “I can do hard things” muscles we use at school.
• Lots of outdoor big-body play every day
• Running, climbing, jumping in leaves, building snow forts, or just chasing bubbles burns energy in the very best way and reduces the need to crash into friends or throw things indoors.

Even one or two of these habits can smooth the transition back to school tremendously. Many families tell us their child comes back in January like a completely different (calmer, happier) kid after focusing on sleep and outdoor time over break! We are so grateful for your partnership and can’t wait to hear about your holiday adventures when we see you in the new year.

Wishing you a peaceful, joyful, and cozy holiday season!