The holidays are over. The flip-flops are packed away, the lunchboxes are back in rotation, and you’re trying to remember how to do five things at once again. If you’re feeling a bit flat—and your kids are dragging their feet too—you’re not alone.
Dealing with post-holiday blues is a very real thing for both children and parents. After weeks of freedom, slower mornings, and maybe even some sunshine, getting back into the everyday grind can feel like a shock to the system.
Here’s how to ease the transition and gently lift those post-holiday clouds—for you and your little (or not-so-little) ones.
🧠 1. Acknowledge the Feelings
First things first: it’s OK to feel a bit off.
You and your children have gone from slow mornings and playtime to alarms, school runs and to-do lists. That sudden switch can cause low mood, tiredness, and even a bit of resentment.
Don’t rush to “fix” it—acknowledge it:
- “It’s normal to feel a bit meh after a fun summer.”
- “We had a great time, and now it’s just a bit different.”
- “You’re not alone—I’m feeling it too.”
Sometimes just naming the feeling takes the power out of it.
🛋️ 2. Ease Into Routine (Don’t Snap Back)
Try not to go from holiday mode to full-on military routine overnight.
Instead:
- Reintroduce structure gently—like a proper bedtime and evening wind-down
- Keep a few fun elements from summer (like Friday movie night or walks after dinner)
- Build in small “treats” to look forward to, even during the week
- Keep the weekends a bit looser while everyone adjusts
You’re still allowed to have fun now that school’s started!
📆 3. Plan Something Small to Look Forward To
It doesn’t have to be a holiday—just something to break up the term.
Ideas:
- A weekend nature walk and hot chocolate
- A visit to grandparents or friends
- A family board game evening or takeaway night
- A new activity or hobby to try together
Having something on the calendar helps shift the focus from “summer is over” to “what’s next?”
📷 4. Revisit the Memories
Bring the holiday fun into the now.
- Print out a few summer photos and let the kids help you frame them
- Make a scrapbook or memory jar
- Chat about your favourite summer moments at dinner
- Watch any holiday videos you captured together
It’s a lovely way to remind everyone that those fun moments still matter—and they’re not gone, they’re part of your story.
🏫 5. Support the Back-to-School Transition
Kids often carry their own version of post-holiday blues—especially if they’re nervous about school, friends, or missing home comforts.
Support them by:
- Listening more than lecturing
- Helping them find small joys in the school day
- Reminding them it’s OK to miss the holidays, but that school can bring good things too
- Keeping routines consistent to help them feel secure
If the mood dip sticks around, keep an eye out for signs of anxiety that may need more support.
🧘♀️ 6. Prioritise Rest (For Everyone)
Jumping straight into high-speed life with no breathing space can fuel burnout—for adults and children.
So:
- Say no to a few things if you need space to decompress
- Keep evenings gentle where possible
- Prioritise sleep, hydration and decent meals (as much as real life allows!)
- Give yourself permission to do the bare minimum if you’re feeling zapped
Rest isn’t lazy—it’s essential recovery after a long summer sprint.
💛 7. Be Kind to Yourself
You’re not failing if you feel overwhelmed. You’re human.
Going from six weeks of juggling activities, childcare, travel, and/or working, straight into a full school schedule, is a massive shift. And you’ve held it all together—again.
Cut yourself some slack. Have that cuppa while it’s hot. Let the house be messy for another day. You’ve earned it.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with post-holiday blues isn’t about pretending the holidays never happened—it’s about gently adjusting, giving space to the feelings, and finding joy in the new rhythm of the season.
Whether your kids are bouncing back with energy or dragging their heels, this time of year calls for a little extra patience, a lot of snacks, and knowing that it gets easier.
The sunshine might be fading—but so many good things are still ahead.
