Supporting Your Child’s Wellbeing as They Return to School in 2026

As the summer holidays wind down and the 2026 school year approaches, many Australian families are shifting gears from slow mornings and beach days to lunchboxes, uniforms, and school routines. While this transition is exciting, it can also stir up big feelings for primary school children—especially after weeks of unstructured time. Supporting their mental health now can set them up for a confident, connected start to the year.

Re‑establish gentle routines

Children thrive on predictability, but routines often loosen during the holidays. Rather than snapping back into school mode overnight, ease into it gradually.

• Bring back earlier bedtimes a week before school starts.

• Reintroduce morning rhythms—breakfast, getting dressed, packing bags.

• Create a visual schedule for younger children to reduce overwhelm.

This slow shift helps regulate their nervous system and reduces first‑day jitters.

Talk about feelings openly

Returning to school can bring a mix of excitement, worry, curiosity, and even sadness. Invite your child to share what’s on their mind.Try prompts like:

• “What are you looking forward to this year?”

• “Is there anything you’re feeling unsure about?”

Validate their emotions rather than rushing to fix them. A simple “That makes sense” can be incredibly grounding.

Refresh social and emotional skills

After a long break, some children need a little warm‑up socially. Arrange a playdate with a classmate or visit the school grounds together. Practise skills like:

• asking to join a game

• taking turns

• using confident, respectful language

These small steps rebuild social confidence before the first bell rings.

Prepare together to build ownership

Involve your child in getting ready for school—choosing stationery, organising their bag, or planning lunch ideas. When children feel part of the process, they feel more in control and less anxious.

Prioritise calm, not perfection

The first few weeks are an adjustment for everyone. Expect tiredness, wobbly emotions, and a need for extra connection. Keep afternoons slow, offer plenty of downtime, and celebrate small wins.

Stay connected with the school community

Australian primary schools place strong emphasis on wellbeing. Reach out early if your child needs extra support—teachers, school counsellors, and wellbeing teams are there to help.