Helping Your Child Ease Back Into School This September

Nicola Hurcombe
Aug 26
3 min read

September can feel like a big transition for families. After six weeks of summer holidays, the thought of early mornings, packed lunches, and homework again can be daunting — not just for children, but for parents too.

It’s very common for children to feel reluctant about going back to school. They may have enjoyed the freedom of the summer and the slower pace at home, so the idea of returning to structure can bring resistance, nerves, or even anxiety. As parents, the most powerful thing you can do is approach this time with patience and understanding.

Be patient with their feelings

Your child may show reluctance in small ways: dragging their feet in the morning, saying they don’t want to go, or worrying about whether they’ll keep up in lessons.

Instead of trying to “fix” those feelings straight away, acknowledge them. Let them know it’s normal to feel a bit unsure after a break, and remind them that lots of children feel the same way. A calm and patient approach helps them feel safe and reassured.

Don’t forget about yourself

It’s also important to remember that this transition can be emotional for parents too. After weeks of extra time together, you might feel a little sad or anxious yourself about your child heading back to school.

That’s completely normal — give yourself a break and recognise that adjusting takes time for the whole family, not just the children.

Keep up positive routines

One of the biggest challenges after summer is re-establishing routine. Late nights and long lie-ins can make school mornings a shock to the system!

Gradually bringing bedtimes and wake-up times back into line before September helps smooth the transition. Consistent routines give children a sense of security and stability — exactly what they need when school restarts.

Why Martial Arts makes the transition easier

At KBT Academy, this is exactly why we don’t stop classes in the summer. Martial arts provides children with consistency all year round. While school stops for holidays, their martial arts journey continues, giving them a steady routine they can rely on.

Training over the summer means children are:

Used to structure – they keep following a familiar weekly timetable.
Physically active – exercise helps manage stress and boosts mood.
Building resilience – they practise discipline and focus, which helps when school starts up again.
Confident – working towards belts and skills reminds them of what they can achieve.

Parents often tell us that because their child stayed in training over the holidays, the back-to-school transition was far less overwhelming. Martial Arts gives them an anchor — something that doesn’t change, no matter the season.

What if your child is reluctant to come back to class?

It’s natural for some children to hesitate about returning to KBT after the summer. If that happens, take a moment to remind them of how much they’ve already achieved — the belts they’ve earned, the skills they’ve built, and the confidence they’ve shown in training.

If they feel a little behind, speak to one of our Instructors. We can arrange catch-up sessions, or even a private lesson, to help them get back on track and feel comfortable again. We’ll always meet your child where they are, and help them move forward at their own pace.

A calm start to the new school year

So as September approaches, remember: it’s normal if your child seems reluctant or a little anxious — and it’s normal if you feel a bit wobbly too. With your patience, some gentle routine-setting, and the support of their Martial Arts training, they’ll soon find their feet again.

At KBT Academy, we’re here to support not just your child’s physical development, but their emotional resilience too — helping them (and you) walk into the new school year with confidence, focus, and calm.