SADEQ ALKHOORI (ABU DHABI)
As the summer break nears its end, parents across the UAE are preparing children for one of the most important parts of returning to school: rebuilding routine.
The 2026-2027 school year is scheduled to begin on August 31, according to the UAE Ministry of Education's academic calendar, giving families just weeks to reset sleep, screen time, and morning habits before classrooms reopen.
This shift may affect mood, concentration, and physical health, experts said, especially after weeks of later nights, relaxed schedules, and travel.
Liz Ann Mathew, School Counsellor at The British International School, said sleep should be the first routine parents restore. "Sleep is the foundation of a child's emotional wellbeing, learning, attention, and behaviour," she said.
Mathew recommended starting one to two weeks before school resumes, shifting bedtime and wake-up alarms by 15 to 30 minutes each day.
Mariam Al Ali, a mother of three, admitted they have some catching up to do when it comes to bedtime routines, as summer significantly changed her children's schedule.
During the school year, they usually sleep at 9pm, but during the holidays they've been hitting the sack at around 12.30am and waking up late. Al Ali plans to begin resetting their routine during the final two weeks of the holiday.
Ohoud Alhammadi, a mother of one, said her son's sleep routine remained "almost stable" during the summer because he was enrolled in classes at a nursery. He wakes up at 7am and sleeps around 10pm, or 11pm at the latest.
A week before school begins, however, she plans to shift his routine gradually, with a 6am wake-up time and 9pm bedtime. "The goal is for him to adapt to the school day more easily," she told Aletihad.
Watch for Stress, Anxiety
Dr Vanitha Ramalingam, Consultant for Paediatrics at Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi, cautioned that the first weeks after schools reopen are often linked to a rise in common childhood illnesses, as students are once again in close contact.
"Parents should be prepared for viral infections such as the common cold; influenza; hand, foot and mouth disease; and viral gastroenteritis," she told Aletihad.
Beyond infections, children may experience other health issues like dehydration, particularly in the summer heat. Children with asthma or allergies may also suffer flare-ups, making it important for parents to keep prescribed medication available and follow medical advice.
Dr Ramalingam said anxiety about returning to school could also be a concern, a point that Mathew echoed, adding that the transition can bring emotional challenges.
Younger children may experience separation anxiety, especially after spending time with their grandparents, cousins and extended family during the summer. Older children may face concerns about friendships, fitting in, new teachers, academic expectations and social pressure.
Dr Ramalingam said parents should watch for signs that a child is struggling, including persistent stomachaches or headaches without an obvious medical cause; difficulty sleeping; irritability; clinginess; frequent crying; loss of appetite; or reluctance to attend school.
Mild anxiety can be common in the first few days, she said. Symptoms that continue for more than two weeks, or that affect daily functioning, should be discussed with the child's teacher and a paediatrician.
Healthy Habits
Experts said simple habits can make the first weeks smoother. A nutritious breakfast with protein, whole grains and fruit can support energy and concentration, while children should be encouraged to carry water and drink regularly during the day.
Parents should also reinforce hand hygiene, teach children to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, discourage sharing water bottles or utensils, and keep children home when they're unwell.
For Al Ali, the hardest habit to rebuild may be studying and concentration. She plans to gradually introduce online classes during the final week or 10 days of the holiday.
Al Ali also involves her children in preparing for school by taking them shopping for supplies and letting them choose their own items. She gives them gift cards so they feel part of the process. "They enjoy that the payment feels like it is coming from them," she told Aletihad.
Mathew said involving children in school preparation can build excitement and a sense of ownership, especially when it feels collaborative.
But she also advised parents to avoid turning the final weeks into an academic push. "The first few weeks of school are a period of adjustment rather than perfection," she said.