Helping Kids and Teens Transition Back Into Routines After the Holidays
Winter Break and the holidays bring late nights, unstructured days, and heightened emotions—so it’s no surprise that transitioning back to school and routines can feel overwhelming for kids and teens. Anxiety about schoolwork, social pressures, or simply getting up early again often plays a role.
As parents, there are steps you can take to ease this transition and help your child feel more confident about starting the new year.
And I was so excited to get the opportunity to chat with Show Me St. Louis on Channel 5 about ways to make this transition back to school easier and less stressful.
Watch Here on KSDK 5 Show Me St. Louis: A few tips to help kids get back into their routine during the new year. Kelsey Torgerson Dunn shares a few helpful tips for children to follow.
Here’s how to ease the adjustment:
Gradually Reset Schedules: Transitioning back to school schedules doesn’t have to be abrupt. A few days before school starts, gradually adjust your child’s bedtime and wake-up time. This helps their body clock adjust and reduces the shock of early mornings.
Reintroduce Structure: Simple tools like a morning or evening checklist can be game-changers. Whether it’s laying out clothes, packing backpacks, or planning lunches, these steps create a predictable routine that helps kids and teens feel organized and less overwhelmed.
Validate Their Feelings: Kids and teens may feel a mix of emotions during this time—excitement, sadness, or anxiety. Acknowledge their feelings and let them know it’s okay to feel this way. Help them problem-solve specific worries, whether it’s about making friends, handling schoolwork, or managing new responsibilities.
The more structure we can build in, the better - and when we can collaborate with our kids and teens and integrate their feedback in reseting schedules, creating structure, and allowing opportunities to emotionally check in, the more they benefit.
When to Talk with a Child Anxiety Therapist in St. Louis
Sometimes, the transition back to routines highlights deeper struggles with anxiety. If your child is dealing with excessive worry, avoidance behaviors, meltdowns, or difficulty sleeping, it might be time to talk with a professional.
At Compassionate Counseling St. Louis, our team specializes in helping kids and teens navigate anxiety and life transitions. Using evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), we tailor our approach to meet each child’s unique needs. Our goal is to equip them with tools to manage anxiety, build resilience, and thrive in their day-to-day life.
If you’re searching for a child anxiety therapist near me or counseling in St. Louis, we’re here to support you.
Counseling in St. Louis: Helping Your Child Thrive
January is the perfect time to establish healthy habits and create a positive foundation for the rest of the school year. Whether your child is feeling overwhelmed by routines, anxious about school, or struggling to adjust, therapy can be a powerful way to support their mental health.
At Compassionate Counseling St. Louis, we’re committed to helping families find relief and confidence in navigating life’s challenges. Reach out today to schedule a session or learn more about our services. Let’s work together to make this transition smoother—and ensure your child is ready for all the opportunities the new year can bring.
Looking for counseling in St. Louis? Compassionate Counseling St. Louis specializes in helping anxious, angry, and overwhelmed kids, teens, and young adults, along with their parents. Our expert therapists provide evidence-based support tailored to each family, fostering resilience and emotional growth. We work with families throughout the St. Louis area.
