As schools and preschools start to wind down in December, many parents ask Kids First’s child psychologists for help with managing end of year transitions.
For some kids, this time of year can stir up a whirlwind of emotions and fatigue, leading to overwhelming moments.
As a parent, you play a crucial role in supporting your kids through this period, ensuring they sail through these changes with resilience and a smile.
Here, our child psychologists and early intervention specialists share some practical tips to help ease the end-of-year rush for your 3 to 10-year-olds.
Establish Consistent Routines
Maintaining consistent routines during this transitional period can provide a sense of security and stability for your child. While schedules may be altered due to year-end events, when you strive to uphold regular bedtimes, mealtimes, and playtimes you build a sense of security for your child. The consistency you maintain at home will foster predictability, and this reduces stress and anxiety for children of all ages.
Keep Communication Channels Open
Each week between now and the holidays, have open conversations with your child about the changes that are coming up. When you create a safe space for them to express their feelings, concerns, and excitement you will also get forewarning about any situations that could potentially overwhelm them. Acknowledge their emotions and validate their experiences, assuring them that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed or tired. (After all, we ALL feel a bit this way at the end of the year, don’t we?)
Balance Rest and Play
Find a balance between rest and play is essential for everyone, not matter how old they may be. Ensure your child gets adequate sleep to recharge their energy levels. Engage in calming activities such as reading, drawing, or gentle play to unwind after busy days at school or preschool. This helps them to regulate their emotions and prevents burnout. (at their end and yours!)
Break Tasks into Manageable Parts
When managing end-of-year tasks or events, break them into smaller, manageable steps. It’s natural for your child to feel a little weary right now, and so you might find that they need more help at this end of the year than they did at the start. As you guide your child through these steps, visual supports like pictures or lists written on a whiteboard can be a helpful way to provide gentle support. When you reduce the number of verbal instructions you give, your child’s chances of success will increase.
Prepare for Transitions
Prepare your child for transitions by discussing what to expect. Whether it’s the transition from preschool to ‘big school’, or from one grade to the next at primary school, kids really benefit from getting a taste of what next year will be like. Orientation Day visits to a new school or classroom can be consolidated if you use photos to reinforce the conversations you have with your child. The school’s website or newsletter may have some images that you can use or (with permission of course) you might be able to take some shots on your phone to show to your child. Different holiday routines, such as visits to other households, are also worth some thought now. Gentle preparation done over time helps ease anxiety and in those moments of change, a well prepared child is much less likely to have a meltdown.
Be Present and Patient
December is a busy time of year and it’s easy to get caught up in end-of-year ‘must do’ activities at home, work, school and preschool. During this time, your child will benefit from the extra doses of patience and presence you provide. Take a step back from distractions and dedicate quality time to connect with your child. Showing empathy and understanding will not only nurture their emotional well-being, but also reduce their tendency to have a tantrum.
Make the Most of this Special Time of Year
As we approach this bustling time of year, remember that every child is unique, responding differently to change. By implementing these practical strategies, you’ll be providing invaluable support to help your child navigate the end-of-year school rush with grace and resilience.
When you keep your eyes and ears open, plan ahead and provide reassurance, December can be an amazing time of the year. We hope you and your family enjoy it!
