Post-Holiday Syndrome in Children
Going back to normal after the holidays affects everyone, no matter their age. Having to set alarms again and leaving those amazing sunny beach days behind for endless school days and teacher lectures isn’t always easy for children. In this article, we talk about how post-holiday syndrome affects children and how to deal with it.
Summer is a time to disconnect from school and regain strength for the next school year. This time of year is characterized by free time, pool days, and family getaways.
In addition, children are particularly vulnerable to changes, which is why it’s normal for them to suffer from post-holiday syndrome after summer is over and they have to return to their normal routine.
As a parent, you have to find ways to motivate your children. However, if you see that your children don’t get better after two to three weeks, we recommend visiting a specialist so they can get the support they need to overcome what they’re feeling.
How to fight post-holiday syndrome in children
Below, we’ll provide tips on how you can reduce the impact of post-holiday syndrome in children.
1. Your attitude matters
The first tip in this regard is related to your attitude, which is a very important aspect. If your children sees that you’re having a hard time going back to your work schedule, then it’s very likely that the same thing will happen to them.
2. Readjust schedules
When summer comes to an end, you have to re-synchronize your schedules and enforce some discipline. You have to get tough! We recommend making sure that your entire family goes to sleep earlier until your bodies adapt to your new schedules. This way, your children will feel less tired when they wake up.
3. Look on the bright side
Positivity can help you overcome any disappointment. Therefore, children should confront this post-holiday time with happiness and positivity.
If they stop to think for a minute, they’ll realize that there are many reasons to smile because they’re going back to school, such as the fact that they’re going to see their friends again and have fun together.
“Children are particularly vulnerable to changes, which is why it’s normal for them to suffer from post-holiday syndrome after summer is over and they have to return to their normal routine.”
4. Prepare together
Finally, we recommend that you prepare your child to go back to school by motivating them and talking to them about what to expect for the next school year.
One way to do this is by purchasing school supplies such as pencils, folders, and backpacks. This can help your child feel excited about going back to school.
How to recognize the signs of post-holiday syndrome
It’s very important to be attentive so you can recognize the signs that may indicate your child is suffering from post-holiday syndrome. For example, if he or she is arguing more than usual at home or seems sad.
In this is happening, you should listen to your child’s concerns and motivate them. Similarly, we recommend making sure your child stays connected to his family and friends or the natural spaces he enjoyed during the summer vacation.
Lack of school motivation can be caused by many factors that are related to a child’s environment and personality.
A hard time getting up in the mornings coupled with a lack of motivation to go to school are some of the most obvious signs of post-holiday syndrome. In any case, you must have patience, since resuming daily routines can sometimes prove to be difficult.
In short, post-holiday syndrome affects many students. As a parent, you should know that this is completely normal and shouldn’t be a cause for concern.
In most cases, a few weeks of transition will help children get over it. However, as we mentioned above, you need to visit a specialist if the situation doesn’t improve.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
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