With summer holidays winding down, families across the country are starting to prepare for the return to school.
For many children, the transition from summer holidays and returning back to school can bring a mix of emotions—excitement, worry, and even reluctance.
Fortunately, child psychology expert Dr Emma Woodward has simple steps parents can take to manage the shift from lazy holiday mornings to structured school days—without tears or tantrums.
Dr. Emma shares that creative play is a fantastic way to ease the stress of this transition for both kids and parents. “Creative play helps kids and adults process emotions, develop problem-solving skills, and build stronger connections,” she says. “It teaches the brain to consider alternative possibilities, fostering flexibility and resilience.”
Here are Dr. Emma’s five top tips for using creative play to help kids (and parents!) navigate the back-to-school season:
Building with LEGO bricks
One of the easiest ways to get kids talking about their feelings is through
a task they can do alongside the conversation. By focusing on building with LEGO bricks, kids can open up about their emotions without feeling pressured. It’s a gentle way to have those important discussions while being playful.
Use Art to Express Big Feelings
Art is an incredible tool for kids to express emotions that might be hard to put into words. Whether it’s through crayons, pencils, or paint, creating something together can be a safe and creative way for children to process their feelings.
Create a Calm-Down Jar
Making a calm-down jar is a simple, yet effective way to help kids manage stress. Just mix some glitter, water, and glue in a jar, and you’ve got a tool they can use whenever they need a moment to breathe. By watching the glitter settle in the jar, children can focus on something soothing, helping them regain calm when they’re feeling overwhelmed.
Play Out School Scenarios
Role-playing different back-to-school scenarios can help kids build confidence in a fun, low-pressure way. Practising how to introduce themselves to new friends or navigating school routines strengthens problem-solving skills and gives them the tools to handle challenges.
Don’t Forget Adults Need Play Too!
Creative play isn’t just for kids! Parents can benefit too by taking a break from daily tasks and playing alongside their children. Whether it’s building LEGO sets, doodling, or creating vision boards, playing together helps everyone feel grounded and less stressed.
Dr. Emma said creative play works because it’s fun, stress-free, and an excellent way to build connections.
“The key is enjoying the process and making it a part of your routine to help ease the back-to-school transition for the whole family.”
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