Supporting Children with Anxiety After the Christmas Break

For many children, returning to school after Christmas brings more than just tired mornings. Parents often notice increased anxiety, emotional outbursts, clinginess, or physical complaints like stomach aches in the weeks after the holidays.

This doesn’t mean something is wrong. It usually means a child’s nervous system is adjusting.

Why does anxiety often increase after Christmas?

The Christmas period disrupts routines, sleep patterns, and expectations. While this can be enjoyable, it can also be dysregulating, particularly for children who thrive on predictability.

In January, children are suddenly asked to:

• return to structured routines

• manage academic and social demands

• separate again after extended family time

• cope with darker mornings and tired bodies
  

For anxious children, this transition can feel overwhelming. Anxiety is often a response to uncertainty rather than danger.

How anxiety can show up in children

After the Christmas break, anxiety may look like:

• reluctance or refusal to attend school

• tearfulness or irritability

• increased reassurance-seeking

• difficulty sleeping or nightmares

• physical symptoms such as headaches or tummy aches

Children don’t always have the words to explain anxiety. Behaviour is often how it communicates itself.

Supporting your child through the transition

Small, consistent support can make a big difference.

Helpful strategies include:

• re-establishing predictable routines gently

• talking through the school day in advance

• validating feelings rather than dismissing them

• keeping goodbyes calm and consistent

• praising effort rather than outcomes

For autistic children or children with ADHD, anxiety may be amplified by sensory overload, social fatigue, or executive-function demands. Adjusting expectations, simplifying mornings, and allowing extra recovery time can be protective.

What not to do

It’s understandable to want anxiety to disappear quickly. However, avoiding school or removing all demands can sometimes increase anxiety in the long run.

Support works best when children feel understood and gently supported to re-engage at their own pace.

When extra support can help

If anxiety persists for several weeks, escalates, or begins to significantly impact daily life, additional support may be helpful.

If you feel ready to access support, Prior Mindset is here when you are. We offer CBT therapy, DBT therapy, neurodiversity coaching, life coaching, and parenting support for children, young people, adults, and families.

Safeguarding note

Prior Mindset is not a crisis service. If you or your child is feeling unable to keep themselves safe, please seek immediate help. You can attend your local A&E department or contact support services straight away.

• Samaritans: 116 123 (UK, free, 24/7)

• Childline: 0800 1111 (for children and young people)

If there is immediate danger, please call emergency services.

Find out more and access free resources

You can learn more about Prior Mindset and sign up to our free Members Lounge at www.priormindset.com

Membership is free. You simply enter your email address, set a password, and you’ll have access to evidence-based resources, videos, and supportive literature for children, young people, and families.

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Warm wishes,

Jerri

CBT Therapist, Social Worker, and Founder of Prior Mindset - Putting Your Mental Health First