The Christmas decorations are packed away, the mince pies are a distant memory, and the kids are still buzzing from a sugar-fuelled holiday. It’s time to face the January challenge: getting the whole family back into the school and club routine. After weeks of late nights, lazy mornings, and festive fun, the idea of early alarms, homework, and after-school activities can feel daunting for everyone—adults included. Fear not—here are some practical tips to help ease the transition and make January a little less painful for parents and children alike.

Start Gradually

If the kids (and let’s be honest, you too) have been enjoying late bedtimes and slow starts, jumping straight back into a strict routine can feel overwhelming. Instead, shift bedtimes gradually. A few days before school starts, bring bedtime forward by 15–30 minutes each night until you’re back to their normal schedule. Similarly, ease into earlier mornings by setting alarms to get everyone used to being up and ready. By gently reintroducing structure, the first school morning will feel less like a shock to the system.

Reconnect with the School Routine

After weeks of downtime, children might need a reminder of what their school day looks like. Talk about what to expect by chatting about favourite teachers, friends, or upcoming events to build excitement. Get organised by double-checking uniforms, school bags, and PE kits to avoid the last-minute scramble on Monday morning. For younger children, using a visual schedule with pictures of their daily routine can help them feel more prepared.

Reintroduce Clubs and Activities

Extracurricular activities often pause over Christmas, which can make getting back into the swing of things harder. Talk about their goals, whether it’s scoring a goal in football or perfecting a dance routine, to remind them of what they enjoy about their clubs and reignite their enthusiasm. Ease into it by trying shorter sessions or attending together if it’s an option. For adults, this might be the time to restart your own hobbies or fitness routines too. Leading by example can motivate kids to embrace their commitments.

Create a Morning Prep Routine

Mornings are often the most chaotic part of the day. Setting up a simple preparation routine can make a huge difference. Start with evening prep by laying out uniforms, packing lunches, and sorting school bags the night before to reduce stress in the morning. Keep breakfast simple with quick, healthy options like overnight oats or fruit and yoghurt to save time and energy. Making mornings as smooth as possible helps everyone start the day on the right foot.

Adjust Expectations

January can feel like a tough month, and it’s important to be realistic about how smoothly the transition will go. Embrace the wobbles—it’s normal for kids (and adults) to feel tired, emotional, or unmotivated as they settle back into routines. Celebrate small wins, whether it’s getting everyone out the door on time or remembering all the packed lunches, to acknowledge and appreciate the little victories.

Prioritise Rest and Recovery

Getting back into a busy routine can feel exhausting for everyone. Make rest a priority to help the family recharge. Stick to bedtimes—even when the initial novelty of being back wears off, consistent sleep routines are key to staying energised. Schedule downtime by keeping weekends low-key to allow everyone to unwind after a busy week of school and activities.

Keep the Positivity Going

Returning to routine doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Find ways to keep spirits high by planning fun activities like a family movie night or baking session to make the school week feel less daunting. Reflect on holiday highlights by reminiscing about Christmas memories while looking ahead to upcoming milestones like birthdays or half-term.

Final Thoughts

Getting back into the school and club routine after Christmas can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to reset and start the year off right. By easing into schedules, staying organised, and keeping things positive, you’ll help the whole family find their rhythm again.

Remember: you’re not alone in this! Every parent is juggling the same challenges, so be kind to yourself as you navigate the post-holiday adjustment. You’ve got this!