Getting Back Into the Swing of Things After the Holidays: ABA Tips for a Smooth Transition
Holiday breaks bring a shift in routine. Bedtimes slide, mornings slow down, and days feel less structured. While this change is welcome, returning to school and therapy can feel tough for kids. Many parents notice more resistance, more fatigue, or more emotional reactions as routines restart. This is normal, and a gentle transition plan can make a big difference.
ABA offers simple, practical tools to help families ease back into daily structure without stress.
Start with Predictable Routines
Kids function best when they know what to expect. Before the break ends, reintroduce familiar routines such as morning steps, after-school expectations, and bedtime habits. Keep it simple, and avoid trying to overhaul everything at once. A brief visual schedule or a two- to three-step checklist can help kids remember what comes next.
If mornings tend to be tricky, begin adjusting wake-up times a few days early. Even a fifteen-minute adjustment can help kids feel more prepared.
Warm Up the Skills
Kids often lose momentum on tasks that were previously going well. This might include getting dressed independently, managing homework, or following a daily schedule. Brief practice helps bring these skills back online. It may feel odd to rehearse routines during a break, but doing it in a calm, low-pressure moment can rebuild confidence.
For example, you might practice packing a backpack together or walking through the steps of a morning routine. Praise effort and keep the tone light.
Talk About What’s Coming
Children feel more secure when they have clear information. Let your child know how the schedule will change and when. Use short, warm statements such as, “School starts again on Monday. We’ll practice our morning routine this weekend so it feels easier.”
Many kids benefit from previewing details: who will take them to school, what time pickup happens, or whether they’ll see familiar teachers and therapists. The more predictable it feels, the less anxiety you’ll see.
Ease Back into Expectations
During holidays, families often relax rules around screens, schedules, chores, or food. Instead of returning to strict expectations on day one, build toward them gradually.
For example:
- Shorten screen time a bit at a time.
- Reintroduce chores or homework in small pieces.
- Bring back bedtime routines slowly, adjusting ten to fifteen minutes at a time.
These small steps help children regulate and reduce pushback.
Use Reinforcement Thoughtfully
Positive reinforcement is one of ABA’s strongest tools. It helps kids feel motivated and recognized for their effort. Reinforcement can be simple. Verbal praise, a sticker, an extra story at bedtime, or a short break after completing a task all encourage progress.
Focus on reinforcing small steps. If your child wakes up on time, gets dressed, or starts homework without a struggle, let them know you noticed.
Expect Some Resistance
Transitions are hard, even for adults. Kids may show more irritability, clinginess, or fatigue. This does not mean they are regressing or refusing to cooperate. It simply means their bodies and minds are adjusting.
Stay calm, stay consistent, and keep expectations realistic. A predictable, supportive approach helps kids settle back into the routine.
Celebrate Small Wins
Every improvement counts. A smoother morning, a calmer bedtime, or a positive therapy session is a sign that the routine is taking shape again.
Point out these successes to your child so they feel encouraged.
A Return to Stability
With a little preparation, your family can move through the post-holiday transition with more confidence and less stress. A few thoughtful ABA strategies help restore structure, rebuild skills, and bring back the rhythm that helps children feel secure. Change takes time, but kids settle into routines more smoothly when they feel supported and understood.
