How to Support Your Child’s Transition Back to School

The end of the long holiday and the start of a new school year can be both exciting and challenging for families. Sometimes, parents often feel the pressure of getting things in order, such as providing school supplies, uniforms, transportation, and meals. While children must adjust from weeks of unstructured time to the structured demands of school. For many children, especially those with autism or other developmental differences, this transition can feel overwhelming.

Yes! Preparing for school resumption is more than just getting back to academics; it’s about helping children adapt emotionally, socially, and physically to a new rhythm of growth and development. That is why today we will walk you through why transitions can feel so big for children, what challenges may show up, and how you, as a parent, can support your child with practical strategies.

WHY TRANSITIONS FEEL SO BIG FOR CHILDREN

Children thrive on predictability and routine!

Imagine one day being taken to a new school or new class, with new books in your bag, new teachers with new rules, your favourite clock demanding you wake up earlier than you’d like, and parents reminding you of responsibilities at every turn. Everything feels like it’s happening too fast!

Yes! The unpredictability of a new classroom, new teacher, or new rules can trigger resistance or emotional meltdowns. This is because, during the holiday, it is common for families to enjoy flexible schedules in the form of later bedtimes, spontaneous outings, or relaxed mornings. While this break is necessary for rest and bonding, the sudden shift back to early mornings, structured learning, and social demands can be jarring.

As a parent, understanding these will help you prepare your children for this transition with empathy rather than frustration.

COMMON SIGNS THAT A CHILD IS STRUGGLING WITH RESUMPTION

Every child expresses stress differently, but here are some patterns parents may notice as school resumption approaches:

• Clinginess or separation anxiety: Your child may show reluctance to leave home or stay with others in school.

• Changes in sleep: Your child may have difficulty falling asleep earlier or waking up cranky.

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• Worries about school: Your child may display verbal expressions of fear, reluctance, or “tummy/headaches.”

• Regression in skills: Your child may start losing skills they once gained, such as handwriting, reading fluency, or even toileting routines.

• Emotional outbursts: Your child may have increased frustration, meltdowns, or withdrawal when discussing school.

  
  

These signs don’t mean your child is “not ready” for school; rather, they are signals that extra support is needed for the transition.

7 GENTLE WAYS TO PREPARE YOUR CHILD FOR RESUMPTION

1. Re-establish Routines Slowly

Children adjust best when changes are gradual. Begin by shifting sleep and meal schedules a week or two before resumption. For example, if your child has been going to bed at 10:00 p.m., start moving bedtime earlier in 15-minute intervals until the school schedule is reached.

For children with autism, visual schedules are extremely effective. Paste and follow picture charts that show “wake up → brush teeth → get dressed → breakfast → school, etc. This can help to reduce anxiety and make routines more predictable.

2. Talk About School Positively

Always know that your child understands more than you think, as children often mirror how parents feel. If school is often talked about as stressful or teachers are discussed in a negative light, your child may absorb that worry. Instead, discuss both the familiar and exciting aspects of resumption in the past. You can also mention positive aspects they can look forward to in their new class or school, like new crayons and a bigger playground. At the same time, acknowledge their feelings if they’re nervous. You can validate their emotions without dismissing them by saying statements like, “It’s okay to feel a little worried; many children feel the same way”.

3. Practice school days Through Play

Sometimes children worry about the "small details" of school, like lining up for assembly, keeping their pen/pencils safe, or remembering where to keep their books. You can practice these skills through role play. You can pretend to be the teacher while your child lines up or raises their hand. Switch roles so they can “teach” you. This not only builds confidence but also makes practice fun.

4. Refresh Learning in Fun Ways

Instead of last-minute cramming, integrate academics into playful activities. Reading bedtime stories will help strengthen literacy, while cooking together introduces math concepts like counting and measuring. Drawing, tracing letters in sand, or even handwriting with soapy water on a tray can refresh fine motor skills in stress-free ways.

5. Visit the School Environment

If possible, take your child to the school before resumption. Walk through the classroom, playground, or hallways. If they’re meeting a new teacher, arrange a brief introduction, as familiarity reduces uncertainty, and uncertainty often fuels worry.

For children with autism who may be sensitive to sensory input such as bright lights, noise, or crowded spaces, this is an important thing to do. A preview visit allows them to process these experiences before school officially starts.

6. Encourage Emotional Expression

Children often don’t have the words to express their worries, so giving them outlets is essential. Encourage them to talk, but also use creative forms like drawing, storytelling, or music.

For example, a child might draw a picture of themselves in class and then talk about it. You can guide the conversation by asking gentle questions such as, “What do you think will be fun about school?” or “What part feels a little hard?”

Then, you can teach coping strategies such as deep breathing, counting to five, or carrying a comfort object that will help children self-regulate when they feel overwhelmed.

7. Partner with Teachers

No one knows your child better than you, but teachers see them in the school environment daily. So, building a strong school-home partnership ensures consistency and better transitioning.

Let the teacher know about your child's strengths, any triggers they may have and how to come in. Teachers often appreciate such insight, as it can help to better support your child.

CONCLUSION

School resumption in September isn't just a date on the calendar; it’s a big transition that impacts children emotionally, socially, and academically. Some children may need extra support, especially those with autism or developmental differences, but with patience, preparation, and consistent encouragement, this change can be made smoother.

As parents, you don’t have to do it all at once. Start small, keep routines predictable, and celebrate each step forward. With the right support, children can walk into the new school year not with fear, but with confidence and resilience. Do you need help designing personalized support plan for your child's resumption to new class or school. Chat with one of our professionals here.

REFERENCES

Cefai, C., & Cavioni, V. (2014). Social and emotional education in primary school: Integrating theory and research into practice. Springer.

Dettmer, S., Simpson, R. L., Myles, B. S., & Ganz, J. B. (2000). The use of visual supports to facilitate transitions of students with autism. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 15(3), 163–169. https://doi.org/10.1177/108835760001500307