The holiday season is full of excitement—special events, family gatherings, late bedtimes and a laxer schedule. While these times of throwing off the routine for the wonder of a season are lovely, returning to preschool, daycare, or childcare can feel overwhelming–for adults and children alike! Changes in routine, sleep, and expectations can unsettle even the most confident children.
Research consistently shows that predictable routines and supportive adult relationships help children feel safe and ready to learn–setting them up for a quality early childhood education. So, what do you do when the ‘regular’ is thrown off for the magic of a season or experience? That is exactly what we will look at in this article, with quality research to back up some excellent suggestions for resetting the daily routines.
Here at Bright Ideas Family we welcome the chaos and excitement that comes with the Holiday season and understand the emotional needs of our students during that time. We would love to be a part of your daily rhythm! Call us today to learn more about enrollment and join us here at Bright Ideas Family!
Start with Sleep
Sleep is everything, having a major impact on mood, behavior, and learning. The CDC recommends that preschool-aged children get 10–13 hours of sleep per day, including naps. If the holiday season has brought a major shift in schedule 
changes, a gradual return to normalcy will help make an effective transition.
To reset after the holidays:
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Shift bedtime earlier by 15–30 minutes every couple of nights
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Keep wake-up times consistent
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Institute a calming bedtime routine like reading or quiet music
Our daycare and preschool classrooms here at Bright Ideas Family helps support sleep hygiene and adequate rest! Call us up today to ask about our nap routines and to schedule a tour to see our center and meet our lovely teachers.
Prepare with Simple Conversations
Talking about what to expect helps reduce any uncertainty children might feel and fosters confidence in them! Simple, reassuring statements like “Tomorrow is a school day, and I’ll pick you up after naptime” can offer clarity and comfort as you transition back into a normal daily schedule. For early childhood education, quality communication and clear expectations sets children up for success. This type of responsive, back-and-forth communication between adults and children supports brain development and emotional regulation, a concept known as “serve and return” (source).
Our educators here at Bright Ideas Family know the value of solid communication. Schedule a tour today to chat with our teachers and ask about how we organize our daily communications with parents. 
Utilize Play and Movement
Play is a powerful item in the toolbelt of parents, preschool and daycare or childcare teachers. Experts in early childhood education emphasize that play-based learning supports emotional health, social skills, and attention—especially during times of change. In the time after the transitionary time after the holidays, preschool-aged children will greatly benefit from extra movement, imaginative play, and hands-on activities. While planning the day for your little one–whether at home, preschool, or daycare–keep in mind that children will have lots of extra mental and physical energy. Providing planned outlets for this will keep the day on track while keeping them engaged and on track as you ease back into daily rhythms. Plus, it’s fun!
Sensory, imaginative, and outdoor play are part of our daily schedule here at Bright Ideas Family! We would love to share our classroom lesson plans with you! Call today to schedule a tour and check out what our classes have going!
Keep Drop-Offs Calm and Consistent
A predictable drop-off routine helps children separate more easily–especially after a time of unpredictability like a holiday break. A simple routine such as, a brief hug or cuddle, a clear goodbye phrase, or a confident hand off to the teacher can make all the difference. Lingering or changing routines can increase anxiety. Instead, encourage trust and help children settle easily with a consistent and confident transition.
Our early childhood education teachers are very intentional to provide a warm and welcoming environment for their students and are also ready to support your morning goodbye routine, as well. Call today to ask about our classroom openings here at Bright Ideas Family and to schedule a time to come for a visit!
Returning to ‘normal’
Returning to preschool or daycare (or work!) after the holidays can be emotional, but it can be made simpler with some extra grace, maybe another cup of coffee, and by patiently reinstituting daily rhythms. Don’t fret about thrown off schedules and late bedtimes! The whole family will bounce back into regular life before you know it!
We are ready to support your whole family through every transition here at Bright Ideas Family! Contact us today to schedule a tour and start your child’s enrollment!