If your child struggles every September, here’s how to make the back-to-school transition smoother.

One mom described it like this:
“We made it through the first day—but by day three, he was melting down every morning, AND afternoon.”

This mom is NOT alone.
Back-to-school season can be especially hard for spicy kids.

It’s a transition (which are difficult for spicy kids), and a transition that comes with a lot of unknown and not a lot of control. 

Most parents of spicy kids tell me, the teacher says ‘they had a great day!’ But it’s not what the parent is seeing!

Why Back-to-School is So Dysregulating

For kids with big emotions or sensitive systems, this transition brings:

• Uncertainty. New classroom, new teacher, new schedule.
  
• Social anxiety. Navigating friendships like what if kids don’t want to play my game.
  
• Sensory stress. Busy hallways, new smells, noisy classrooms.
  

These kids are working double time to try and stay steady all day—leaving them depleted by the time they get home.

Signs Your Spicy Kid Needs Extra Support Right Now

You might notice:

• After-school meltdowns
  
• Morning refusals or clinginess
  
• Feeling like you’ve lost progress you made. 

These are key signs your child is overwhelmed and needs some extra support. 

How to Support Your Child During the Transition

• Simplify home routines. Don’t overschedule. Keep evenings low-pressure.
  
• Create rhythm where you can:  Visual schedules, consistent bedtime, and morning rituals help kids feel safer.
  
• See behind the behaviour: Know that you have a good kid, who is going through a big transition.
  

When your child can feel safer inside their body, the transition will feel more manageable for you (and them)!

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