The holidays are over, along with slow mornings, later bedtimes and days without a fixed schedule.

The beginning of the school year means a return to routine for both children and parents, but it also brings plenty of new responsibilities, experiences and sometimes worries. So how can you make the first few weeks of school as smooth as possible? We have put together a practical guide to help families get back into the school routine and support children as they adjust to new responsibilities.

The first few weeks are mainly about adjustment

Whether you have a first-grader or an experienced schoolchild at home, the beginning of a new school year is a major change. After two months off, children need to get used to regular wake-up times again, concentrating for several hours, following a new timetable and managing everyday responsibilities. On top of that come relationships with classmates, teachers, extracurricular activities and, for some children, an entirely new environment.

Current figures also show that returning to school can be challenging. According to research by the Czech Committee for UNICEF, 60% of children aged 9 to 17 experienced stress related to school or other responsibilities at least occasionally. Relationships at school, schoolwork and pressure to perform were among the most common causes of emotional distress.

A certain amount of stress is, however, a natural part of major changes. It is therefore not unusual for children to be more tired or irritable during the first few weeks, or simply not to feel like going to school on some days. Every child also adjusts to a new routine at their own pace.

Try not to treat the first few weeks as a race. A forgotten notebook, a missing pencil or a slower morning routine is not a disaster. Children are gradually learning to take responsibility for their school duties – and small mistakes are a natural part of that process.

1. Follow the three Rs: routine, rituals and relaxation

One of the biggest changes after the summer holidays is the return to a regular daily routine. Psychotherapist and crisis prevention coordinator at the Czech Linka bezpečí helpline Radka Liebezeitová recommends a simple rule of three Rs: routine, rituals and relaxation.

Regular times for waking up and going to bed help children settle back into the rhythm of school. Small everyday rituals that provide a sense of security can be just as helpful – having breakfast together, packing the school bag in the evening or spending a few minutes talking before bedtime.

And the third R? Relaxation. Make sure children also have some time after school when they are not expected to perform or achieve anything.

2. Do not overload the first few weeks

School, homework, football, English classes, art club… and suddenly there is no time left when your child simply does not have to do anything.

Going back to school can be tiring even for children who were looking forward to seeing their friends and learning again. Give them some time to unwind when they get home before expecting them to move straight on to their next task.

Getting enough sleep, eating regularly and staying active are also important. According to psychotherapist Radka Liebezeitová, physical activity can help children release stress, as can play and having the opportunity to talk openly about their feelings.

3. Ask something other than "How was school?"

"Fine."

Sound familiar? Try asking more specific questions instead. What did you enjoy most today? What surprised you? Who did you spend break time with? Was anything difficult today? What made you laugh?

More specific questions can help uncover not only the good moments but also potential problems. At the same time, your child can see that you are genuinely interested in their school life.

Especially with first-graders, the way parents themselves talk about school can make a big difference. Avoid phrases such as "Just wait until school sorts you out" or "Your easy days are over now." School should not be presented as a punishment for the end of the holidays.

4. Pay attention to what your child does not say

Not every child is able to say, "I'm stressed" or "I don't feel comfortable at school." Psychologist Anna Frombergerová points out that emotional distress in children can also show up through changes in sleep, appetite or mood, headaches or stomach aches, increased tiredness, irritability or withdrawal.

One bad day does not necessarily mean there is a problem. However, if difficulties persist, keep recurring or become worse, it is worth looking for the cause. Start by talking to your child and, if necessary, contact their class teacher or an appropriate school support service.

Similar changes can sometimes also be a sign of difficulties with classmates or bullying. We explore this topic in more detail in our article How to Recognise Bullying and What to Do If It Affects Your Child.

5. Praise effort, not just results

The start of the school year also brings the first grades, tests and comparisons with others. Try not to focus solely on results.

Recognise the fact that your child did not give up on an assignment, packed their own school bag or put their hand up in class even though they were not completely sure of the answer. The courage to try new things and not be afraid of making mistakes is an important part of learning.

6. Gradually give children more responsibility

The first few weeks are a good opportunity to establish simple routines. Younger children can check their pencil case or prepare their clothes for the next day, while older pupils can pack their school bag according to their timetable, get their PE kit ready or keep track of assignment deadlines.

This does not mean that parents should stop helping. Instead, their role gradually changes – from being the person who prepares everything to being someone who is there to support the child when they need help.

If a problem arises, communicate with the school

An unclear grade, a conflict with a classmate, excessive tiredness, learning difficulties or fear of going to school? Do not let problems grow unnecessarily.

The first point of contact will usually be the class teacher or the teacher concerned. If the issue cannot be resolved, depending on its nature you can contact the relevant support staff available at the school, such as a school psychologist or special education professional, or the school leadership team.

The school year is a marathon, not a sprint

The first few weeks of school do not have to be perfect. Sometimes a snack will be forgotten, another day it will be homework or a PE kit. And some mornings will simply be more difficult than others.

What matters much more is that children gradually develop a sense of security, establish their own routine and know that they can talk openly about any problems at home. Give both yourself and your children time. The school year has only just begun, and there will be plenty of opportunities to fine-tune everything as you go.

You do not need to step into the new school year perfectly. What matters much more is to step into it with courage.