Settling Back into a Routine after Summer Holidays
Staying up late, going on exciting outings every day, traveling—summer holidays are a great opportunity to unwind, and it feels great! But when it comes time to settle back into a routine, resuming regular habits can be tricky for both for kids and parents.
The LOLO team spoke with Catherine Bellemare, Psychosocial Counsellor and Founder of the childcare support service Les Éveillés, to give us some advice on how to gently settle back into a routine after the holidays.
From calmer rituals such as bubble baths, massages using gentle oil or comforting scents to help children drift off to sleep, Catherine Bellemare has developed several tricks to help parents and their children get back on track before returning to daycare or starting school.
Ready? Here we go!
Ease Back into a Routine by Reintroducing Healthy Habits
“Getting enough sleep, eating well, re-establishing reference points or visual references to foster autonomy when bathing, brushing teeth and getting dressed” are healthy basics to settling back into your routine, said Catherine Bellemare.
While this may seem obvious, healthy habits may be neglected in the hustle and bustle of the end of summer and getting back to a regular schedule. Gradually reinstating them is a good way to do so gently.
Sharing Household Tasks
Choices can be offered according to age and ability. You can also team up to join forces!
“Setting the table, washing and drying dishes, folding clothes, sorting socks. Such responsibilities strengthen a sense of belonging, confidence and competence,” said Mrs. Bellemare.
Involve Children when Preparing for the Routine
“Prepping lunch, choosing clothes, etc. Team up to foster a spirit of collaboration.”
When children are involved in a task, they feel less like it’s something being forced upon them. When they help prepare lunch, they get to select foods they like and look forward to their meal, which they will enjoy even more!
Plan Time for Settling Down or Letting Off Steam during the Day
Whether alone or as a family, time can be set during the day to settle down with a gentler activity and reconnect with our senses. Cuddling, looking for herbs in the garden, listening to music, getting a massage, relaxing in a hammock, enjoying a bubble bath, and so on.
“This allows us to be more available to get on with the day and prevent emotional overloads.”
Creating Little Sentimental Rituals for Departures and Arrivals
Do you remember having secret handshakes with your friends when you were young? Perhaps you had an elaborate ritual such as in the movie Parent Trap (handshake between the young girl played by Lindsay Lohan and her driver, side bump included!) or simply high fiving. These intimate rituals are much more than a simple secret handshake between friends and family.
Whether it’s a handshake, a token of attention or a special hug, “these acts of attention strengthen bonds and foster a sense of mutual trust, creating a unique closeness.”
When You Get Home, Take Turns to Vent and Reflect on the Day’s Challenges and Successes
When holidays come to an end, you might be surprised to see how impressions differ for the same activities, even if you’ve spent the day together!
A situation that might have been insignificant for us may in fact be important to our children. So, it’s a healthy habit to share our perspectives on the day, our challenges and our successes.
“Mealtime and pillow talks are ideal for sharing. It’s an opportunity to express our thoughts and feelings, preparing ourselves for restful sleep.” This way, everyone can drift off to sleep with a lighter mind, free from the day’s challenges.
Settling back into a routine after a summer filled with adventures and discoveries shouldn’t be a chore. It can be fun, pleasant and invigorating.
These few tips will help you gently settle back into your routine.
The entire LOLO team wishes you and your little ones a smooth transition!
To find out more about Catherine Bellemare’s services, click here: Les Éveillés
You would like to ask her more questions? She will be at Galeries Joliette on August 24 and 25 to discuss topics related to routine and collaboration between parents, children and educational services.
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