The holidays are (already) over. After a summer of spending quality time with family, without the usual routines or schedules, it is not always easy to return to daycare or start kindergarten.

How to make your little ones' return to daycare or back to school easier? Here are some tips that will give you a helping hand!

Get back into routine gradually

Is your son having trouble getting back into the routine? That's normal! One trick is to take it step by step, gradually. Don't wait until the day before going back to daycare to get back into good habits.

While it’s great to enjoy the holidays, it’s also a good idea to resume or maintain some elements of the routine. It can be as simple as bath time, followed by brushing your teeth and reading a story before bed.

Lacking ideas? I suggest the tactile book-circuit Chemins enchantés, by Lilliputiens , which travels through the lands of tales… all the way to that of Tom Thumb, which invites you to turn off the light!

Plan the schedule for the week

Back to daycare also means going back to work, appointments and classes for the whole family? Before racking your brains, organize your week in advance using the planner from Les Belles Combines – a great Quebec company! - , which not only allows you to not forget anything, but also to make your child responsible!

Make routine fun

Boring, routine? Not at all! Make it a game! Your child will remember his tasks more easily if it's fun. Ideas? Stick funny pictures, invent a nursery rhyme, or even give a small reward at the end of the week. It could be a movie with mom, a sweet snack or even a picnic in the park!

We tested and really liked the Minimo My Daily Routine motivation set , which allows children to slide the magnet with pride when a task is completed. Psst! It works at home!

We also like Pico's tattoos , some of which help you learn or remember hygiene rules. Did your son brush his teeth? He can sport his favorite tattoo!

Bring an object from home

It is well known that a transitional object, such as a comforter from home, a stuffed animal or a favorite piece of clothing, is reassuring for a child who is anxious or worried about being separated from his parents. This object will reassure him and remind him of home or your presence.

Good news: comfort blankets are once again allowed in daycare services!

The perfect alternative to a full-size blanket is these little muslin blankets from Loulou Lollipop . The best part: they come in a pack of two (one for home and one for daycare!)

Establish a departure ritual

Bag, coat, lunch box, etc. Are you ready to go? But haven't you forgotten anything? One trick is to establish a departure routine that will also allow your child to take responsibility (for example, get dressed alone) and that will indicate when it will be time to leave the house or when you will drop him off at daycare. Make a game of it: two hugs, a kiss and a hello before leaving him. This avoids surprises... and a few tears!

Don't forget your cap before leaving the house! This L&P model will certainly give the strength of the tiger to your son who hesitates to enter the playground.

Choosing fun accessories

Lunch or snack breaks will be most enjoyable with pretty, colorful, fun accessories that are, above all, suitable for children's little hands. Utensils, dishes, water bottles, lunch bags, etc.: you will find the most beautiful accessories at Charlotte et Charlie.

Among our favorites, we love the Munchbox Bento boxes which hold lunches or snacks thanks to their multiple compartments.

New standard requires, the water bottle is an essential at school! Those of 3 Sprouts are easy to handle by the little hands of your mini!

Extending the holiday spirit

Summer is not over yet! Even though it's back to daycare and work, we're extending the summer and vacation atmosphere by treating ourselves to great outings: an impromptu picnic in the early evening, a late day at the beach or a weekend at the cottage.

Talk about it in a positive way

Finally, the best tip is simply to support your child well. Take the time to talk with him, to reassure him and, above all, to speak to him in a positive way.

Happy new school year!