A Gentle Return to School: Supporting Children into a New Learning Year 🌱

As a new year begins and the school term approaches, many primary-school-aged children experience a mix of emotions. Excitement, curiosity, nervousness, and uncertainty often live side by side in their bodies. This is completely natural.

From a trauma-informed, body-based perspective, children don’t just think their way into a new school year — they feel their way in. Their nervous systems need time, predictability, and safety to settle so learning can truly begin.

Start with the Body, Not Just the Backpack

We know that children regulate best when their bodies feel safe first.

Here are some gentle ways to prepare children for a positive return to school:

1. Name Feelings Without Fixing Them

Invite your child to share what school feels like in their body:

• “Does school feel buzzy, tight, heavy, or calm?”

• Let drawings, movement, or play tell the story — words are optional.

Validation comes before reassurance. When children feel seen, their nervous system softens.

2. Re-establish Predictable Rhythms

In the weeks before school:

• Gradually return to school-time sleep and wake routines

• Reintroduce morning and afternoon rhythms

• Keep transitions slow and calm where possible

Predictability = safety.

3. Use Creative Rituals

Creativity helps children integrate emotions gently.

• Draw or collage “My Hopes for the School Year”

• Create a small “worry box” where concerns can rest

• Choose a grounding object to keep in their school bag

These rituals help externalise big feelings so they don’t overwhelm.

4. Practice Regulation Together

Simple co-regulation builds confidence:

• Slow breathing with hands on the belly

• Stretching, animal walks, or shaking out tension

• Five-minute quiet creative time after school

Connection is more regulating than correction.

5. Focus on Safety, Not Performance

A great learning year doesn’t begin with achievement — it begins with felt safety. When children feel emotionally held, curiosity and resilience naturally follow.

A Warm Welcome Back from Awakening Creative Therapies 💛

We are delighted to share that Awakening Creative Therapies will be re-opening and operating from Friday 23 January.

As the school year begins, we are here to support:

• Children experiencing school anxiety or overwhelm

• Emotional regulation and nervous system support

• Creative, body-based therapeutic processes

• Parents seeking gentle, attuned guidance

Our approach honours each child’s pace, creativity, and inner wisdom — supporting not just learning, but wellbeing.

🌱 A regulated child is a ready learner.

We look forward to walking alongside families as the year unfolds.