Back-to-School Transitions: How to Support Your Child's Sensory and Emotional Needs

The start of a new school year can feel exciting—but also overwhelming, especially for kids with big sensory or emotional needs. Whether your child is starting kindergarten, changing schools, or simply adjusting after a long summer, transitions can stir up a lot under the surface.

As a pediatric OT, I often hear things like:

• “He’s fine at school but melts down as soon as he gets home.”

• “She says she hates school already—and it’s only day two.”

• “Mornings are a disaster. We’re both stressed before we even leave the house.”

  
  

If any of that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The good news? There are simple ways to support your child’s nervous system and emotional wellbeing through this transition.

1. Prep Predictability—Visually and Sensory-Wise

Kids thrive on knowing what to expect, especially when routines are changing.

🧠 Try:

• A visual schedule like this magnetic routine chart to support independence

• A countdown calendar or simple dry-erase board for marking big days

• Sensory prep tools like:

  • bento-style lunchboxes to reduce food overwhelm and support predictable mealtimes

  • Seamless socks and tagless undies to ease tactile triggers

  • Compression undershirts for calming deep pressure input and body awareness.

  • Noise-reducing headphones to soften the sensory load in busy or unpredictable spaces (these are my favorite as they don't squeeze little heads hard!)

  • A chewy necklace (this cloth one is a must for tshirt neck chewers) or fidget rings to meet oral or tactile sensory needs proactively

    
    

These give your child’s body and brain a chance to anticipate, which helps regulate the nervous system.

2. Add Extra Regulation Before and After School

During transitions, kids often need more co-regulation and sensory input than usual. Their “emotional cup” might empty faster.

💡 Try:

• Morning movement with a mini trampoline, yoga cards for kids, or animal walk dice

• A connection ritual like a feelings plushie or a special fidget bracelet you both wear (and don't tell me this slap barcelet doesn't bring back awesome memories)

• After-school decompression with a weighted lap pad (I adore this animal one), cozy sensory tent, or calming sensory bottle kit

  
  

Even just 10 minutes of downtime before starting homework can make a big difference.

3. Watch for the After-School Crash (and Don’t Take It Personally)

Many kids “hold it together” all day and then release emotions the moment they’re home. That doesn’t mean anything went wrong—it actually shows you’re their safe place.

💬 What helps:

• Expect it. Try creating a buffer with a cozy bean bag or quiet music

• Offer empathy: “Wow, it seems like today took a lot of energy.”

• Invite connection through play or quiet time with open-ended toys (toys without a set goal) like wooden blocks, magnetic tiles, or calming coloring books

  
  

Connection first, then conversation.

4. Be the Calm in the Storm

Transitions stir up uncertainty—and your regulated presence is one of the most powerful tools you have.

🧘‍♀️ Try:

• Taking a breath together with a breathing ball

• Using a mindfulness card deck during bedtime routines

• Keeping your own regulation supports nearby, like a stress-relief ball (parents- this ball is amazing) or a calming essential oil roller

  
  

Even one moment of stillness helps anchor the day—for both of you.

🧺 Gentle Reminder:

You don’t have to do all the things. Start with one small support that fits your family. And remember: there’s no “perfect” transition. What matters most is connection, not perfection.

You’re doing an amazing job supporting your child through big feelings and new routines. 💛