Supporting Your Child’s Transition Back To Daycare After Holidays
The Christmas and New Year period brings a welcome break from the busy routines of everyday life. Families enjoy slow mornings, special outings, travel, and quality time together. But as the new year begins, many parents notice that the transition back to daycare after the holidays can feel a little bumpy, even for children who usually settle confidently.
At Imagine Early Learning & Childcare, we understand that returning to daycare after an extended break is a significant adjustment. Routines shift, environments feel different, and emotions can run high. The good news is that there are many simple, nurturing ways to support your child (and yourself) during this transition.
Below, we’ve put together a practical guide to help make the return to daycare after the holidays as smooth, positive, and reassuring as possible.
Why Returning To Daycare After A Break Can Be Challenging
Even a few weeks away from daycare can feel like a long time for young children. During the holiday period, children often experience changes that can disrupt their usual rhythm, including:
- Later mornings and relaxed routines
- More one-on-one time with parents or siblings
- Travel, visitors, and festive activities
- Extra stimulation and changing environments
- Developmental leaps that can lead to clinginess or emotional sensitivity
It’s completely normal if your child feels unsure, clingy, or unsettled when returning to daycare after the holidays. Transitions take time, and every child adjusts at their own pace.
For more insight into why early learning environments play such an important role in children’s development, you may find our article Why Early Childhood Education Matters helpful.
Start Re-Establishing Daycare Routines After The Holidays
A few days before returning to daycare, gently ease your child back into familiar routines:
- Gradually bring bedtime and wake-up times closer to your usual schedule
- Reintroduce predictable mealtimes
- Practise your morning routine together to rebuild familiarity
Consistent daycare routines help children feel safe, grounded, and prepared for the day ahead.
Talk Positively About Returning To Daycare
Children take emotional cues from us. When you speak calmly and positively about returning to daycare, it helps them feel more confident and reassured.
You might talk about:
- Their educators (“Emma and James will be so happy to see you again”)
- Their friends
- Activities they enjoy at daycare
If you’re looking for more strategies to support drop-offs, our parent guide, Tips for Dropping Your Child Off at Daycare, offers practical ideas you can use at home.
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Visit Or Drive Past The Daycare Centre Before Returning
A short visit or even driving past the centre before your child returns can help reconnect them with the environment.
You might say, “Look, that’s your daycare. You’ll be playing there again soon.”
This simple visual reminder helps reduce uncertainty and rebuild familiarity with the space.
Prepare Together The Night Before Daycare
Children feel more settled when they feel involved. Preparing together can help ease nerves and build confidence:
- Pack their daycare bag together
- Choose their clothes for the next day
- Include a familiar comfort item
Reading a story about daycare or calmly talking through what the next day will look like can also help your child feel ready and reassured.
Keep Daycare Drop Offs Short, Warm, And Predictable
A calm and consistent drop-off routine helps children feel secure and supported, especially when returning to daycare after holidays. Consider:
- A short, predictable goodbye ritual
- A warm handover to their educator
- Leaving with a reassuring phrase such as, “I’ll see you after afternoon tea”
It’s normal for children to become teary at drop off, particularly after spending extended time with family. Our educators are experienced in comforting and settling children during these moments.
For more guidance, our blog Tips for Dropping Your Child Off At Daycare is a helpful resource.
Expect Big Emotions When Returning To Daycare
Some children may show signs of emotional adjustment, such as clinginess, fatigue, or feeling overwhelmed. These responses are a natural part of transitioning back into routine.
Offering extra patience, reassurance, and cuddles at home can make a big difference.
Maintaining consistent sleep and meal schedules also supports emotional regulation during this period.
Stay Connected With Your Child’s Educators
Strong communication between families and educators is key to a smooth daycare transition. Please feel welcome to:
- Share how your child has been during the holiday break
- Discuss any concerns or developmental milestones
- Ask for updates during the first few days back
- Let us know about any changes at home
Families across our Imagine Early Learning & Childcare centres often find that open communication helps children feel more secure and supported as they settle back into daycare routines.
Celebrate Small Steps Forward
Every small step is worth celebrating. Whether it’s a calm drop off, a new friendship, or your child talking positively about their day, these moments show growing confidence and reconnection.
If your child is moving into kindergarten or school this year, our article How To Prepare Your Child For School offers practical advice to support a positive transition.
A Final Message For Parents
Returning to daycare after the holidays is a transition not only for children but also for families. If you feel emotional or uncertain, please know that this is completely normal.
At Imagine Early Learning & Childcare, our educators are committed to creating a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe, confident, and excited to learn. Together, we support families through each transition and help children rediscover the joy of play, discovery, and connection.
Families returning to daycare or considering enrolment after the holiday period are always welcome to contact their local Imagine Early Learning & Childcare centre for personalised support and guidance.