Getting Back on Track: Returning to School or Daycare
After a summer filled with sunshine, late-night ice cream runs, and backyard picnics, the shorter days mean one thing, school (or daycare) is just around the corner.
So how do we get back on that great routine we had when the final school bell rang last year?
Transitions can be tricky for kids (and adults too!), but with a little planning and support, the shift back into school life can be smooth and even exciting.
As a social worker and pediatric sleep consultant, here are my top tips for making the return to routine manageable for the whole family:
1. Open the Conversation Early
It’s never too soon to start talking about changes. Children of all ages thrive on structure and predictability, so easing into the new routine starts with communication. Depending on their age, you might want to use a social story (you can buy one or have ChatGPT create one!) and talk about:
Where they’ll be going to school or daycare
What their day might look like
Who their teacher or caregiver will be
Which friends they may see
What pick up and drop off will be like; so many big feelings pop up during these moments
Also, introduce the idea of trusted adults, people they can go to if they feel worried, scared, or unsure. Be open to any feelings they share. Acknowledge their emotions in an age-appropriate way, letting them know it’s okay to feel nervous, excited, or even a bit sad.
2. Getting Back to the Overall Schedule
When our kids attend school, we’re often given a calendar to keep us informed about upcoming events throughout the year. Bringing that same approach into our home routines can make the transition back to school much smoother. Using a visual schedule to outline what’s coming next, both in the morning and evening, can help re-establish structure after the unstructured fun of summer. While summer chaos is certainly enjoyable, it’s not exactly ideal when it comes to getting everyone out the door on time for school and work!
3. Rebuild Healthy Sleep Habits
A consistent bedtime routine is one of the best tools to prepare for the school year. If summer pushed bedtimes later (and screens lasted longer), now is the time to slowly shift back.
Start by gradually moving bedtime earlier and reintroducing your regular nighttime routine.
Here’s a sample bedtime routine we love (about 30–40 minutes):
Give a 5–10-minute warning before starting bedtime
Bath or hand/face washing + teeth brushing
Pajamas
Story time (You decide the number of books and stick to it!)
Tuck-in and goodnight
Noise machine (at a soothing 40–50 decibels)
Leave the room calmly and confidently
For older kids, remember: You set the bedtime boundaries. Let them have age-appropriate choices, but stay in charge of the routine. Predictability creates a sense of security.
4. Understand "Restraint Collapse"
Many kids hold it together all day at school or daycare; following rules, navigating social interactions, and managing big feelings. When they get home, all those stored-up emotions can come pouring out in the form of meltdowns, outbursts, or tantrums.
This isn’t defiance, it’s a release. It's called restraint collapse and is very normal during transitions.
Support your child by:
Offering a calm, safe space after school
Acknowledging and validating their emotions
Avoiding punishment during these outbursts
Using supportive language like: “It looks like you had a big day—do you want to tell me about it or just have some quiet time?”
By giving space and patience, you're helping them learn how to manage big feelings in a safe, developmentally appropriate way.
5. Know When to Ask for Help
If the idea of shifting back into routine feels overwhelming, or if your child is really struggling with sleep or transitions, please know: you are not alone.
It truly takes a village. Whether it's support with sleep habits or guidance on managing emotional ups and downs, reaching out is a sign of strength, not failure.
Is your child overwhelmed by transitions like: starting school, visiting a new place, or even settling down for bed?
If your child experiences big emotions around these changes, they may benefit from additional emotional support from a registered social worker. Transitions can be tough, but with the right guidance and age-appropriate coping strategies, your child can learn to manage their emotions more effectively.
Struggling with sleep as a result? If your child has difficulty falling or staying asleep, and wakes up cranky and dysregulated, it could be another sign they need extra support.
You're not alone, and help is available! Book a chat with us today to explore how we can support your child’s emotional well-being.
As we move into a new season, remember that change takes time—and a little preparation goes a long way. You’ve got this, and support is always here if you need it.
Author: Michelle Cukier
Michelle Cukier is a Registered Social Worker and Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant with Have Baby. Must Sleep. She brings both clinical expertise and lived experience as a mom to her work, offering families compassionate, evidence-based support through the challenges of early parenthood.
Michelle is passionate about helping parents restore rest, reduce stress, and feel confident in their journey. She combines her therapeutic training with practical sleep strategies to support the whole family’s well-being.
About Have Baby. Must Sleep.
Have Baby. Must Sleep. is a leading pediatric sleep consultancy supporting families with children ages 0 to 5. The team specializes in high-touch, fully customized sleep coaching designed to fit each family's unique lifestyle and values.
Founded and run by a mom who know firsthand the toll of sleepless nights, Have Baby. Must Sleep. offers compassionate, expert-led support that goes beyond one-size-fits-all advice. With over 2000 families helped and a sole focus on pediatric sleep, the team brings deep knowledge, proven methods, and a commitment to getting families the rest they need and deserve.
Learn more at www.havebabymustsleep.com.
