ASILA AL BADI (ABU DHABI)
As students across the UAE return to school after a four-week winter break, many families are navigating the transition from a long, festive holiday back to early mornings, structured schedules, and academic focus.
For parents, the challenge goes beyond homework and lunchboxes; greater attention is placed on supporting children’s emotional wellbeing as they re-adjust to a disciplined school routine.
Eman Alqaasmi, a mother of three, said that helping school kids regain confidence after the break could start with recognising their past achievements.
“I remind my children that their previous accomplishments were satisfying and that they are capable of achieving even more,” she told Aletihad. “They have already overcome challenges, and today they have enough experience to move forward with greater confidence.”
She stressed the importance of communication during this period, noting that emotional support is key to a smooth return to school. “We need to talk to our children, understand their needs and concerns, and encourage them even for the smallest achievements. These small successes make a big difference in how prepared and motivated they feel,” Alqaasmi explained.
For some families, however, the biggest challenge was moving away from the daily habits that children got used to during the holiday.
Fatima Ali, a mother of one, identified sleep schedules as the most difficult routine to restore. “They become used to staying up late at night, which makes waking up early for school much more difficult,” she said.
Fatima recommended gradually adjusting the child’s sleep schedule, limiting screen time in the evenings, and establishing a consistent bedtime routine.
She added that parents have a crucial role to play in creating a positive environment and boosting children’s self-confidence “so they can return to school feeling stronger and more enthusiastic”.
“This can start by preparing a suitable study environment at home and creating positive conversations about going back to school,” Fatima said.
Children’s emotional needs, she noted, should remain a priority. “My advice to parents is to place their children’s mental wellbeing first,” she said. “Parents are the light that guides their kids’ paths, and continuous presence and follow-up help lead them towards success.”
Similarly, Methal Abdullah, a mother of two, emphasised the importance of gradual preparation and avoiding extreme pressure. “Encouraging learning through simple home activities helps children associate education with enjoyment and curiosity rather than pressure,” she said.
Methal also highlighted the value of involving children in preparations. “Allowing children to participate in choosing their school supplies encourages them and increases their enthusiasm for the new academic term,” she said.
Methal urged her fellow parents to avoid setting unrealistic expectations. “Don’t become an obstacle by pushing your child to be perfect,” she said. “Every child has different abilities. Encourage them, celebrate their efforts, and assess their progress within reasonable limits.”
For the families who spoke to Aletihad, New Year’s resolutions go far beyond academic achievement. Alqaasmi hopes her children will develop purposeful, stable, and ambitious personalities. Fatima looks forward to seeing her child grow socially, communicate respectfully, and uphold strong moral values. Methal wishes her children will learn lessons that strengthen their character and principles.