Hey {{first_name}}
If back-to-school after the holidays feels harder than the start of the school year ever did… you’re not imagining it and you’re not alone!
First of all, if you’re new here, welcome 😃 Every Tuesday, I send out a newsletter that includes tips about emotional regulation, sensory regulation and picky eating. If you ever have questions, reply directly to the newsletter and I’ll make sure to answer in the future.
Here’s why things often feel more chaotic post-holiday break and what you can do to make this transition calmer.
✨ Why the post-holiday transition is so hard
During the holidays, routines loosen, bedtimes shift, days look different. There’s more excitement, more stimulation, more unpredictability. And while that can be fun, it also means your child’s nervous system has been working overtime. So school starting again is a big transition. And transitions are hard, especially for sensitive kiddos who thrive on predictability.
Even kids who love school can struggle here. Their bodies and brains need time to shift gears… and until they do, you may see more meltdowns, refusals, irritability, or fatigue.
✨ Practical ways to make the transition calmer
1. Lower expectations (temporarily).
This is not the week to push independence or perfection. Offer more support, more reminders, and more grace, especially in the mornings and evenings. If they ask for help with something you know they know how to do, it’s okay to help them!!
2. Rebuild routines slowly.
Instead of expecting everything to snap back into place, focus on one routine at a time:
consistent bedtime routine
predictable morning routine
a calm after-school reset
Once those feel steady, the rest will follow.
3. Add regulation before demand.
Before homework, transitions, mealtime or bedtime, give the body what it needs first: movement, deep pressure, quiet time, connection. A regulated body makes everything else easier. If you’re unsure what sensory activities best suit your child’s needs, check out my Sensory Decoder Kit here.
🍽️ Picky Eating Reminder: just keep exposing!!
When routines are disrupted, it’s tempting to stick only to safe foods and that’s totally okay for regulation. But now that we’re back in our routine, don’t forget about exposure, especially in lunchboxes.
Here’s what helps:
Add a very small portion of a non-preferred food alongside safe foods
Rotate between a few non-preferred foods across the week
Keep expectations low. They don’t have to eat it
Even if it comes back untouched every day, exposure still counts and just keep doing it!!
Seeing, touching, and smelling foods over time builds familiarity and familiarity is what leads to acceptance. Tiny steps. No pressure. Consistency over time.
You’re doing a really good job navigating a hard stretch 💛
Excited to be back with you and thank you for following along,
Effie
