Newsletter 34: Back to School time after Summer Break
Backpacks, Butterflies & Brave Hearts- Because going back to school after summer break is more than just packing the school bag again.
1. The Smell of Familiar Books & Quiet Adjustments
I still remember the post-summer blues—the end of lazy afternoons, mango-stained fingers, and bare feet. The return to structure came with a familiar resistance: waking up early, packing the bag, and finding your rhythm again.
I also remember my mother gently nudging me awake, oiling my hair, and whispering, "Let’s make today light and lovely." That softness made all the difference.
Now, as I work with parents, I see how this back-to-school after summer can stir up many emotions—especially for young children re-entering the school environment after weeks of comfort and freedom.
2. Re-entry is a Transition Too
Summer break offers a pause. A loosening of schedules, less academic pressure, more family time. Returning to school—even to the same class, friends, and teachers—can still be a big emotional leap.
Children may feel anxious about performance, friendships, or simply the jolt of routine. Parents, too, might be swinging between relief and guilt.
It’s important to name this as a transition. One that deserves gentleness, not rush.
3. Common Post-Break Parenting Pitfalls
As we all try to "get back on track," here are a few patterns to be mindful of:
Over-correction: Jumping into rigid routines and academic expectations overnight.
Over-explaining: Repeating rules and consequences excessively instead of co-regulating first.
Underestimating Emotions: Brushing off the 'I don’t want to go!' as laziness or drama.
Instead, invite cooperation through connection. Let routines build slowly, like warming up to a familiar song.
4. Gentle Rituals to Reconnect
Here are a few ways to make the return to school after summer a soft landing:
Morning Tune-in: Share a quiet 5 minutes for breath or light stretches together.
Snack Notes: Add a little joke, doodle, or “I missed our school days!” to their tiffin.
Evening Sharing Bowl: A small bowl where each person places one high and one low from their day.
Unpack the Day Together: Unpack not just the bag but the emotions it carried.
These small, loving gestures help children feel seen and supported.
5. A Parent's Realization
Megha, a Joyful Parenting Club parent, shared:
“My son cried on the first day back. I was tempted to say ‘come on, you're not new!’ Instead, I hugged him and said, ‘It’s okay to miss home time.’ He smiled, wiped his tears, and walked in.”
Empathy is the bridge back to confidence.
6. From My Desk
“Post-Break Reentry Rituals” – Take a print out
7. Parting Thought
“A child seldom needs a good talking to as much as a good listening to.” – Robert Brault
Let this return be less about catching up and more about showing up—with presence, patience, and joy.
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Cheers to Joyful Parenting
Swati
Parenting Coach and expert
Founder and Author