The holidays can be hectic for everyone, but travel, changes in schedules and lots of sugary sweets can make it difficult for a young child to get back into a post-holiday routine. While it may be tough for your little one to get back into the groove of things after the excitement of the holidays, you can keep them on track with the help of these tips. 

1. Bring back bedtime: Young children thrive on routine, so do your best to maintain routines like bedtime and naptime during the holidays. If that’s not possible, ease back into these habits by starting three to four nights before your child heads back to school to make getting back into a sleep routine easier. Create a soothing nighttime ritual that helps them wind down and ease into an earlier bedtime. “Try softening the lights, playing soothing music and lowering voices an hour before it’s time to get tucked in. A warm bath with a bit of lavender oil followed by a fluffy towel-off, some soft, warm pajamas and teeth brushing provide all the sensory cues that it is time to prepare for sleep,” says Lynn Louise Wonders, licensed therapist and childhood and parenting expert. 
2. Preserve holiday memories: Help your child preserve the fun memories of the holidays with a video or slideshow of their favorite moments. They can also draw or paint a picture of the fun times they had. When your child gets a chance to preserve their holiday memories, they can revisit them in the future when they are back in their regular routine. 
3. Prepare your child: It’s important to talk with your child about the return to school and a regular routine. Keep your explanation short, sweet and concrete. You might say, “Tomorrow you go back to school to see Miss Kathy and all your friends. We will wake up, have breakfast, get dressed and Daddy will take you to school.” 
4. Accept all feelings: Your child should feel comfortable feeling and expressing their emotions, whether that’s disappointment, dread, frustration or even excitement. “No matter what emotions they show, let them know that whatever they feel is okay. If they act out because of them, let them know you understand why they feel that way and then set limits firmly but lovingly,” says Wonders. 
5. Save time for snuggles: For some children, it can be difficult to separate from Mommy and Daddy after spending a lot of time together. Be sure to set aside time for some extra snuggles in the morning before leaving for school to help ease the transition. 
6. Don’t stick around at school: “While it may be tempting, lingering at the classroom door doesn’t help your child or the class, no matter how much your child may cling,” advises Wonders. While your little one may get upset for a moment, they will not feel that you’ve abandoned them. Lingering only prolongs the pain of separation. Prepare them in advance by saying that you will give them a hug and a kiss and will tell them bye-bye at the door, then follow through and do just that.? 

When your child is prepared for the return to routine, they will feel less stressed and confused over the change in schedule. And remember: you can use these tips to help ease any daily transition!