Getting Back Into Routines After the Holidays
The holidays are magical. The lights, the treats, the late nights, the memories. But if you’re anything like me—and you have kids who need routine to feel their best—you also know what comes after the magic: chaos.
In our house, routine isn’t just helpful. It’s essential.
When schedules disappear, bedtimes drift, and expectations change, my kids don’t just get a little off-track… they feel it. Big emotions. More meltdowns. Less sleep. Harder mornings. The joy of the season is real, but so is the toll it can take on kids who thrive on structure.
And honestly? On moms too.
Why Routine Matters So Much
For some kids, routine is comforting.
For mine, it’s grounding.
Predictability helps them feel safe. Knowing what comes next helps regulate their emotions. Clear expectations reduce anxiety. When routines disappear, everything feels louder, harder, and more overwhelming for them.
And as a mom, I feel it too. The mental load increases. The days feel longer. The house feels messier. The balance feels off.
So when the holidays wrap up, our family doesn’t just “go back to normal.”
We rebuild our rhythm.
Starting Small (Because Big Changes Are Hard)
We don’t jump into strict schedules overnight. We ease in:
• Earlier bedtimes, one night at a time
• Consistent wake-up routines
• Predictable meal times
• Visual schedules for the kids
• Calm, familiar morning rituals
Those small anchors make a huge difference.
Even something as simple as getting dressed at the same time every morning or having the same after-school routine brings back a sense of calm.
Giving Grace During the Transition
The reset isn’t always smooth. Some days are harder than others. Emotions run high. Everyone is tired.
And that’s okay.
We give grace—to our kids, to ourselves, and to the process.
Routine isn’t about perfection.
It’s about creating a sense of safety, comfort, and consistency.
The Beautiful Thing About Structure
Once the routine settles back in, I see it in my kids:
• Calmer mornings
• Better sleep
• Fewer meltdowns
• More confidence
• Happier days
They feel more in control. More secure. More themselves.
And I feel it too.
The house runs smoother. The days feel lighter. The stress eases.
A New Year, A Fresh Start
The holidays are meant to be enjoyed—and they absolutely are.
But there’s something equally special about getting back to our rhythm.
Because in our home, routine isn’t restrictive.
It’s empowering.
And watching my kids thrive in that structure reminds me why we always find our way back to it.
Here’s to cozy schedules, calm mornings, and kids who feel safe in the predictability of their day.