GOING BACK to school after the holidays

Not everyone is happy at the thought of going back to school

By Monique Peters

Learning Coach, Learnerobics

4/2/26

For many families, going back to school after the holidays doesn’t feel like a fresh start. Instead of renewed energy and motivation, you may notice slower mornings, increased emotions, resistance to schoolwork, or a child who suddenly seems less confident than they were at the end of last year.If your child is in Years 2 or 3, this is a very common experience — and it makes sense when we look at how the brain works.

During the holidays, children’s brains move into a different rhythm. Days are less structured, there is more movement and play, fewer demands on listening and attention, and often later nights. When school resumes, the brain is suddenly asked to sit still, listen carefully, follow instructions, remember information and produce work — all at once.For children who already find learning effortful, this sudden shift can feel overwhelming. Their brain hasn’t failed — it’s simply adjusting.

One of the most important things parents can understand during this transition is the role of repetition. The brain strengthens learning pathways through repeated, successful experiences. Skills like listening, reading and concentration don’t instantly return after a break. They need time, consistency and practice to become efficient again.

Repetition does something wonderful.  It tells the brain “this is important, we need to get good at it.” Through each repetition, the brain then makes stronger connections, so the electrical signals can travel faster. When they travel quickly, you feel more confident in what you are repeating.  It’s the biology behind the old saying “practice makes perfect” or as I like to say “practice makes progress”.Without enough repetition, learning remains tiring. When learning feels tiring, confidence drops — and that’s often when resistance begins.

Equally important is survival. Human brains are wired to prioritise safety before learning. When a child feels safe, accepted, understood and supported, their brain can move out of protection mode and into learning mode. When they feel rushed, compared or criticised, the brain shifts its energy toward survival, leaving far less capacity for thinking and learning.

It’s also interesting to note that the brain finds safety in what is familiar, and also a result of repetition.This is why pushing harder in the first weeks of term often backfires.

Supporting your child during this transition doesn’t mean lowering expectations forever. It means building the foundation first. The repetition of gentle routines, predictable structure, reassurance and patience give the brain the signals it needs to settle.Over time, with repetition and emotional safety, learning becomes more manageable and confidence begins to return. The goal in these early weeks isn’t to catch up — it’s to help the brain feel safe enough to re-engage.

At Learnerobics, we support children by strengthening the brain systems needed for learning and reading, and we coach parents so they understand what their child’s brain needs during times of transition.If the return to school has been harder than you expected, you’re not alone. With the right understanding and support, learning and reading can feel achievable again — for both you and your child.