After a long break over Christmas and the New Year, it’s completely natural for children to feel a mix of emotions about returning to school or early years settings. Excitement, worry, tiredness, frustration and even resistance can all show up, sometimes all in the same day. As parents and caregivers, one of the most powerful things we can do is acknowledge these emotions and support our children’s sensory needs as they transition back into routine.
At Edx Education, we believe play-based learning is key to helping children feel safe, confident and ready to learn. Through play, children process emotions, regulate their bodies and make sense of change. Talking about feelings, offering sensory-rich experiences and using playful tools at home can make a huge difference to how smoothly the return to school feels.
10 Practical, Play-Based Tips to Help Your Child Settle Back Into School
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Talk About Feelings Openly
Create time to talk about how your child is feeling about going back to school. Use simple language and validate all emotions. “It’s okay to feel nervous” or “I can see you’re excited and a bit worried.” Naming emotions helps children understand and manage them.
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Use Play to Explore Emotion
Role play with small world toys, figures or dolls can help children act out school scenarios. This allows them to express worries they may not yet have words for. Play is often where children tell us the most.
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Reintroduce Routines Gently
A sudden jump back into full routines can feel overwhelming. Gradually reintroduce bedtime, mealtimes and morning routines a few days before school starts to help children feel more secure.
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Offer Sensory Play Daily
Sensory play helps regulate the nervous system. Activities like water play, sand, playdough, construction toys or fidget cubes help children calm their bodies and emotions, especially after a busy school day.
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Create a Calm Space at Home
Designate a quiet, cosy area where your child can relax, read, build or play independently. This safe space gives children permission to decompress after the demands of school.
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Use Hands-On Learning Tools
Open-ended educational toys, such as maths manipulatives, pattern blocks or construction sets, encourage focus and confidence. When learning feels playful and pressure-free, children are more willing to engage.
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Keep Transitions Playful
Turn mornings into a game. Try racing the clock while getting dressed or singing a tidy-up song. Playful transitions reduce stress and help children move between tasks more easily.
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Listen More Than You Fix
Sometimes children don’t need solutions. They need to feel heard. Resist the urge to fix worries straight away. Listening calmly builds trust and emotional security.
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Model Emotional Regulation
Children learn by watching us. Talk about your own feelings and show healthy ways to manage them. “I’m feeling tired today, so I’m taking a deep breath.” This teaches emotional resilience.
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Use Stories, Podcasts and Resources
Books, downloadable activities and child-friendly podcasts can open up conversations about emotions and change. Our Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education podcast is a great way to explore learning, wellbeing and play for ideas, advice and practical tips.
Returning to school after a long break is a big transition, especially for young children. By prioritising emotional wellbeing, sensory support and playful learning at home, we set our children up not just to cope but to thrive.
Remember, confident learners are built through connection, play and understanding. When children feel emotionally safe, learning naturally follows.
By Heather Welch, General Manager Edx Education UK & author of Happy Children Play
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it usually take for a child to settle back into school after a break?
A: Every child is different, but it typically takes about 1 to 2 weeks to fully adjust to a new routine. Consistent sensory play at home and maintaining a calm morning rhythm can significantly speed up this process.
Q: What should I do if my child is overly tired after the first few days back?
A: "After-school restraint collapse" is common. Provide a quiet, low-demand environment with calming activities like playdough or a cosy reading nook. Avoid scheduling extra activities during the first week to allow their nervous system to rest.
Q: Can specific toys really help with school anxiety?
A: Yes. Tactile tools like fidget cubes or construction sets provide "heavy work" for the hands, which sends calming signals to the brain. These tools allow children to focus on something concrete while they decompress from the emotional demands of the classroom.
