Summer has a rhythm all its own — later bedtimes, looser schedules, and plenty of unstructured play. So when August arrives and the school year comes back around, it’s no surprise that many young children (and their parents) feel the shift.

“The transition from summer to school is a big adjustment because children are moving from a familiar, often more flexible routine into a structured environment with new expectations,” says Tina Marie Rodriguez, Speech Therapist at Brighton Center’s Pediatric Therapy Clinic. “Even children who are excited about school are learning to navigate many changes at once.”

Think about everything a child takes on in those first weeks: waking up earlier, following a classroom schedule, separating from caregivers, meeting new adults and peers, and communicating their needs in an unfamiliar environment. School asks children to use their communication skills all day long — listening and following directions, asking for help, joining group activities, expressing emotions, and making sense of routines that aren’t always explained.

For children who are still developing language, social communication, attention, or self-regulation skills, these demands can feel overwhelming. Bilingual children may also be adjusting to different languages and communication partners across home and school — a normal part of growing up with more than one language, and something families can support by keeping teachers in the loop.

The good news? There’s a lot families can do — starting now — to make the transition smoother.

What’s Normal (and What Deserves a Closer Look)

Big feelings during times of transition are very common. In the weeks before or after school starts, you may notice more clinginess, emotional outbursts, changes in sleep, difficulty separating at drop-off, or a child who seems more tired or less independent at home. These behaviors happen because children are using a lot of energy learning and adapting to something new.

Most of this settles with time, consistency, and support. But keep a closer eye if challenges continue beyond the expected adjustment period or start to significantly interfere with daily life — more on that below.

Start Early: Ease Back into the School-Year Rhythm

Ideally, families can begin easing into the school routine about two to four weeks before school begins. The goal isn’t a dramatic overnight change — it’s gradually helping your child’s body and brain prepare for new expectations.

Sleep. Adjust bedtime and wake-up times little by little, even 10–15 minutes every few days. Consistent sleep is one of the biggest supports for attention, emotional regulation, and learning.

Mealtimes. Practice eating around the times your child will eat at school. This is especially helpful for children who need extra support sitting during meals or communicating their preferences.

Morning routines. Rehearse the full sequence: getting dressed, brushing teeth, packing a backpack, heading out the door. Visual schedules can help, because they let children see what comes next.

Screen time. Rather than focusing only on cutting back, build predictable routines around when screens are available — and when it’s time to transition away from them.

Talk About School Before Day One

Children feel more confident when they know what to expect. In the weeks ahead, try:

• Reading books about starting school
• Driving by or visiting the school, if possible
• Looking at pictures of the classroom or teacher
• Acting out common school routines through play
• Talking about what will happen during the day

You can also rehearse simple phrases together that help children speak up for themselves at school:

• “My name is ___.”
• “Can I play with you?”
• “I can ask for help.”
• “My teacher can help me.”
• “I need a break.”

Build Everyday Independence

A few practical skills go a long way toward helping a child feel capable on day one — and all of them can be practiced at home in the weeks before school:

• Opening and closing lunch containers
• Carrying and organizing a backpack
• Following simple directions, especially two-step directions
• Asking for help
• Cleaning up materials
• Managing bathroom routines as independently as possible

If Your Child Receives Therapy Services

For families whose children are working on speech, motor, or other developmental goals, the most helpful thing you can do is share what works for your child. Let teachers know:

• How your child communicates their needs
• What strategies help them participate
• What motivates them
• What supports reduce frustration
• Any accommodations that have been successful

For bilingual families, it’s also important to let the school know which languages your child uses at home and in daily life.

When Adjustment Becomes a Concern

Sometimes a rocky start is more than “he just needs time to settle in.” If concerns continue after several weeks of consistent support — or if your child is struggling to participate in daily activities — it may be time to seek additional guidance. Consider an evaluation if you notice ongoing difficulty with:

• Understanding or following directions
• Expressing thoughts, wants, or needs
• Being understood by others
• Interacting with peers
• Managing emotions or communicating feelings
• Participating in classroom routines

Other signs worth attention include frequent frustration because others don’t understand them, avoidance of social interaction, loss of previously mastered communication, play, or self-help skills, or distress that doesn’t improve with time and support.

How Brighton’s Pediatric Therapy Clinic Can Help

If your child is struggling with the transition, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our team works with families to identify what may be contributing to the challenges and to develop individualized strategies that build functional skills. In speech-language therapy, that may include improving speech clarity, expanding language, strengthening social communication, supporting AAC use, or helping children communicate their needs more effectively.

The first step is simple: share your concerns with your child’s pediatrician. They should always be your first point of contact when you have questions about your child’s development — and they can help connect your family with the right support.

Have questions about therapy services at Brighton? Our Pediatric Therapy Clinic team is happy to talk with you. Call us at 210.826.4492 or complete our online inquiry form, and someone will be in touch within 48 hours.