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The period between Christmas and New Year can feel like a strange in-between time. Routines slip, sleep patterns change and days blur together — and for children with additional needs, this lack of structure can be unsettling.

If things feel a little wobbly right now, that’s completely normal. The good news is that routines can be gently rebuilt, one small step at a time.

Why Routines Matter

For many children with SEN, routines provide a sense of safety and predictability. Knowing what happens next can help reduce anxiety and support emotional regulation — especially after a busy or disrupted festive period.

Returning to routine doesn’t need to be immediate or strict. A gradual reset is often far more effective.

Start Small and Build Slowly

Rather than trying to “fix everything” at once, focus on one or two familiar anchors:

• Regular wake-up and bedtime times
• Mealtimes returning to their usual pattern
• A familiar morning or bedtime routine

Once those are back in place, other parts of the day often begin to settle naturally.

Using Visual Supports to Reintroduce Structure

After the unpredictability of Christmas, visual supports can be especially helpful. They provide clarity, reduce uncertainty and help children understand what’s happening now — and what’s coming next.

Simple tools such as visual planners, choice boards or symbol-based schedules can support a smoother transition back to everyday life.

Products like the TomTag Christmas & Birthdays Visual Pack can be adapted beyond the festive season, helping children move from “holiday mode” back into normal routines.

Be Kind to Yourself (and Your Child)

It’s easy to feel pressure to “get back on track” quickly — especially with school or services restarting. But children may need time to adjust, and so might you.

Changes in behaviour, sleep or emotions are often a sign that your child is still processing the busy weeks they’ve just experienced.

Progress might look like:

• Shorter days
• Extra downtime
• More reassurance than usual
• Small wins rather than big steps

All of this is okay.

Free Tools to Support the Transition

If you’re looking for practical support, our free Calm Christmas Pack includes printable planners and checklists that can also be used to rebuild routines after the holidays.

You’ll also find ongoing guidance on our Christmas Tips for SEN Families page, many of which apply just as much to the return to routine as they do to the festive season itself.

Looking Ahead to the New Year

The New Year doesn’t need to start with big resolutions or expectations. For many families, success simply means feeling calmer, more settled and a little more like themselves again.

Take things at your own pace. Routine will return — and we’ll be here to support you along the way.

Fledglings is a not-for-profit supporting families of children and adults with additional needs. Every purchase helps us provide trusted advice, inclusive products and free resources for families across the UK.