Parents focus on establishing routines, emotional readiness, and healthy habits to help children ease back into school life.
Dubai: As the Eid Al Adha break ends, families across the UAE are helping children transition from holiday mode back into school routines. While stocking up on supplies and completing homework remain important, many parents say preparing children mentally and emotionally is equally essential for a smooth return to the classroom.
From gradually adjusting sleep schedules to encouraging reading and reconnecting with classmates, parents are adopting a balanced approach to ensure their children feel confident and ready for the rest of the academic year.
Smooth transition back to learning
For June Rayos, a mother of a Grade 7 student, preparations for returning to school begin well before the first day back.
“Physical preparation is a key part of the back-to-school routine. As parents, we make sure everything is ready—books, bags, including Nol cards—for a smooth return,” Rayos told Gulf News.
However, Rayos believes practical preparation is only part of the process. “We also need to ensure that they are mentally prepared.”
She said she encouraged her daughter to review lessons, revisit school assignments, and stay in touch with classmates during the break. According to Rayos, maintaining friendships outside the classroom helps children feel more comfortable and engaged when they return to school.
“We encourage our child to read books, practice arts, and do household chores, while also allowing them to go out and celebrate their achievements.”
She also praised the UAE’s commitment to education, noting that authorities have consistently prioritised both learning continuity and student wellbeing.
“The UAE government and relevant authorities have done a commendable job in ensuring continuity of education regardless of circumstances. Student and school community safety remains a top priority, balanced with quality education delivery.”
Moving beyond the holiday mindset
On the other hand, Fahad Keviden, father of Grade 1 twins, highlighted that the main challenge is helping young children shift from the excitement of the Eid holidays back to the structure of school life.
His children spent the break enjoying family gatherings, social visits, and trips to water theme parks. As school resumes, the family is gradually re-establishing routines.
“As parents, we are now helping them transition back into their school routine by ensuring that all pending homework is completed and that their school materials are ready,” Keviden said.
Like many children, his twins are still enjoying the relaxed pace of the holidays. “They are still in a vacation mindset, but we are gradually preparing them for the new school week,” he said.
Keviden noted that the family intentionally allowed the children to take a full break from academics during the holidays. However, as school approaches, they have begun revising lessons, completing assignments, and returning to regular sleep and study routines.
“This helps them adjust mentally and physically to the learning environment and return to school with confidence,” he said.
Reflecting on education in the UAE, Keviden praised the quality of facilities, infrastructure, and teaching standards available to students.
“Schools place significant emphasis on student safety, health, and overall development, while maintaining high academic standards. The quality of education and learning environment offered by many UAE schools is commendable,” he said.
Keeping the return simple
For Sarah Fajardo, mother of a Grade 2 student, preparing for the return to school is relatively straightforward, as her son adapts easily to changes in routine.
“Good thing is that my child can easily adjust whether there is school or not. There is not much preparation we do,” Fajardo said.
Even so, the family has taken small steps to help him mentally prepare for the first day back.
“We help set our son’s expectations that school will resume on Monday and that he will be meeting his friends and teachers again. We also remind him to go to bed earlier than usual,” she said.
She said that one of the strengths of living in the UAE is the balance the education system provides between learning and family life.
“The UAE education system is well-suited for families in Dubai and across the Emirates. It ensures a balance between learning time and family bonding.”
Fajardo also expressed confidence in the safety measures implemented in schools.
“I feel secure and reassured as the school strictly follows UAE guidelines and prioritises the safety of children.”
Building confidence and excitement
Meanwhile, Mamta Sharath Karunan, mother of a Grade 1 student, said that the end of a holiday is not just about returning to routines, but also about helping children look forward to school.
“As a parent, the end of the holidays is always a mix of excitement and preparation. I make sure my child feels emotionally ready and excited to reunite with friends, teachers, and the learning experiences that await them,” Karunan said.
She has begun by gradually reintroducing school routines, organising supplies, and speaking positively about the return to class.
“For me, preparation is not just about packing bags, it’s about building confidence and enthusiasm for going back to school.”
To ease the transition, her family has gradually adjusted bedtime schedules, reduced screen time, and encouraged reading and meaningful conversations that help stimulate curiosity.
“A balanced routine helps children return to school feeling refreshed, focused, and ready to learn,” she said.
Karunan also said that one of the reasons she values the UAE education system is its strong focus on both academic excellence and student wellbeing.
“It’s reassuring to know that schools prioritise children’s wellbeing while also providing innovative and engaging learning experiences. Knowing my child is learning in a secure and nurturing environment gives me great peace of mind and confidence in their future,” she added.
More than school supplies
While school bags, stationery, and completed assignments are all part of the back-to-school checklist, parents say the transition is ultimately about helping children feel emotionally secure, motivated, and ready to learn.
As classrooms across the UAE welcome students back after the Eid break, families are focusing on re-establishing routines, nurturing positive habits, and ensuring children return not only prepared, but also excited for the weeks ahead.
