Wellbeing 

How to Help Kids Cope With End-of-Year Emotions (Without Overwhelm) 

The end of the year can feel huge… even for little people. 

As parents and teachers, we often expect the end of the school term to feel exciting. But for many children from preschool through to teens, it can stir up a whole mix of emotions: anxiety, fatigue, sadness, fear, frustration and even anger. 

They’ve been learning, growing, socialising and managing pressure all year, and by Term 4, their brains and bodies are tired. Add in end of year Masses, classroom changes, extra events and Christmas buzz, and it’s no wonder emotions bubble over. 

Understanding this time through a child development lens and meeting it with empathy, can make all the difference. 

Why emotions feel bigger at the end of the school year? 

 From a developmental psychology perspective, children are still learning emotional regulation. Their ability to cope with stress and fatigue depends on their temperament, sleep, and their sense of safety with parents and educators. All behaviour is communication. When our kids are acting out, they are in an unregulated state and need our help to stop. This seems more obvious at the end of a school year. 

By the end of term, children may show emotional dysregulation through clinginess, tears, tantrums or even defiance. These aren’t signs of “naughtiness” – they’re stress signals. 

As a parent, you play a crucial role in supporting your kids through this period, ensuring they sail through these changes with resilience and a smile. 

Establish Consistent Routines 

Maintaining consistent routines during this transitional period can provide a sense of security and stability for your child. While schedules may be altered due to year-end events, when you strive to uphold regular bedtimes, mealtimes, and playtimes you build a sense of security for your child.  

Keep Communication Channels Open 

Each week between now and the holidays, have open conversations with your child about the changes that are coming up. When you create a safe space for them to express their feelings, concerns, and excitement you will also get forewarning about any situations that could potentially overwhelm them (After all, we ALL feel a bit this way at the end of the year, don’t we?) 

Balance Rest and Play 

Finding a balance between rest and play is essential for everyone, no matter how old they may be. Ensure your child gets adequate sleep to recharge their energy levels. Engage in calming activities such as reading, drawing, or gentle play to unwind after busy days at school or preschool. 

Break Tasks into Manageable Parts 

When managing end-of-year tasks or events, break them into smaller, manageable steps. It’s natural for your child to feel a little weary right now, and so you might find that they need more help at this end of the year than they did at the start.  

Prepare for Transitions 

Prepare your child for transitions by discussing what to expect. Whether it’s the transition, from one grade to the next at primary school, kids really benefit from getting a taste of what next year will be like. Orientation Day is a great way for schools to support you. Check in with your child after their visits and keep the chats positive. 

Be Present and Patient 

December is a busy time of year and it’s easy to get caught up in end-of-year ‘must do’ activities at home, work, school and preschool. During this time, your child will benefit from the extra doses of patience and presence you provide.  

Make the Most of this Special Time of Year.

As we approach this bustling time of year, remember that every child is unique, responding differently to change, December can be an amazing time of the year.

Enjoy it, 

Donna