The start of a new school year is full-on, isn’t it? New teachers, new classrooms, fresh routines – it’s a lot for children to take in all at once.
It’s exciting, of course, but it’s also a big shift after the long summer holidays. Long days, early mornings, busy classrooms, and all the emotional energy that comes with making new friends and finding their feet again can leave kids absolutely worn out.
If you’re based in York, Leeds, Yarm or nearby towns like Harrogate, Ripon or Wetherby, you’re definitely not the only one noticing this. Plenty of families see their children hit a bit of a wall a few weeks into term. The trick is spotting the signs early and giving them a bit of breathing space before it all becomes too much.
Signs Your Child Might Be Feeling Overwhelmed
Kids don’t always come out and say they’re tired or stressed, but their behaviour often gives the game away. You might notice things like:
- Mood swings, tears or frustration over small things
- Meltdowns or going very quiet as soon as they get home from school
- Seeming flat, bored or “not themselves”
- Trouble getting to sleep or waking in the night
- Eating less than usual or going off favourite foods
- Losing interest in hobbies or playing with friends
None of this means there’s anything wrong necessarily, it’s usually just their way of showing they’re running on empty. And it’s completely normal.
Simple Ways to Help Them Recharge
The good news is it doesn’t take anything fancy or expensive to help kids get their spark back. A few small changes at home can make a real difference:
Slow the pace after school
Keep evenings calm where you can. A snack, some quiet play or a bit of time outside can help them decompress after a busy day.
Keep routines steady
Knowing what’s coming next helps kids feel safe and settled, especially when everything at school is new and busy.
Make sleep a priority
A consistent bedtime, a screen-free wind-down, and something cosy like a story or warm bath can make bedtime feel like a treat rather than a battle.
Keep them fuelled
Balanced meals and regular snacks give steady energy and help lift moods.
Get outdoors – even for ten minutes
Fresh air works wonders. In York, Rowntree Park and Homestead Park are lovely after-school spots. Around Leeds, Roundhay Park, Golden Acre Park and Temple Newsam have loads of space to burn off energy. In Yarm, the Tees Barrage trails, Preston Park in Eaglescliffe and Stewart Park in Middlesbrough are all easy options. If you’re closer to Harrogate or Ripon, Valley Gardens or Studley Royal Deer Park are great open spaces to roam.
Let them just play
Unstructured, screen-free play is more powerful than it looks, it gives their brains a rest and helps them unwind.
Ease off where you can
If they’re wiped out, it’s okay to skip an activity, cut down on homework now and then, or just have a quiet night in. Rest is productive too.
Why Breaks Matter
School terms are busy and demanding, especially the first one after summer. It’s no wonder children get tired. That’s exactly why half term breaks are there, so they can catch their breath, reset, and come back ready to go again.
Planning in pockets of downtime during the week can help too. Even knowing there’s a break coming up – like the October half term – can give kids something to look forward to when they’re flagging.
A Final Thought
If your child seems more emotional, tired or clingy than usual right now, it doesn’t mean anything is wrong. It usually just means they’ve been working really hard and they need a bit of space to rest.
With time to slow down and recharge, they’ll soon bounce back. Sometimes, the kindest thing we can do for our kids is give them permission to pause.
