How to Help Teens Get Back to School after Winter Break

While winter break is one of the most exciting times of the year for teens, it leads right into one of the hardest times of year—the return from break. Winter break is typically a time for rest, relaxation, and spending carefree time with friends and family. For teens that struggle in school, getting back into routine following this time period can be really difficult. Below you can find a few tips to help your teen with this transition. 

Monitor Sleep

The easiest way to have a smooth transition back to school after winter break is try not to derail it ahead of time. While this is certainly an excellent time for teens to rest and relax, going to sleep substantially later than usual and sleeping in until noon is going to make for a rude awakening when they return. It is best to try to stick to their regular sleep schedule give or take an hour or two. 

Practice True Self-Care

Teens can have different ideas of what “rest and recharge” mean. Staying up all night playing video games and eating junk food is likely going to make you more tired and trained when you try to return to your schedule. Making sure your teen is sleeping, taking care of themselves, getting some exercise and fresh air, and eating well is likely to boost their mood and ability to regulate through their transition back. 

Manage Expectations

While most teens aren’t excited to return to school after a nice break, the dread typically outweighs how bad it truly is. By managing expectations ahead of time and reframing negative thought patterns teens can mediate some of their own distress. 

Plan Things to Look Forward To

The post holiday season depression combined with getting back to school in the middle of winter makes for a bad mood. Planning events with friends or family in the new year can help add a bit of excitement where it is lacking and boost teens mood and outlook.

Be Patient

Everyone has a rough time kick starting the new year. Just the same way parents are often drained getting back to work, teens need some empathy and patience adjusting to their normal again. 

For more information about transitions to school and further skills mentioned above check out our School Avoidance Group for Teens!