Keeping Kids Engaged in School During the Holiday Season
Tips for November, December, and a Smooth Start in January
The holiday season is filled with excitement, family gatherings, and well-deserved breaks. It can also be a challenging time for children to stay engaged in school. November and December often bring disrupted routines, increased stress, and academic slowdowns. At Children’s Law Center of Central North Carolina (CLC), our Education Advocacy Program (EAP) works closely with families and schools to ensure that every child, especially those facing barriers, receives the support they need to thrive.
Here are practical, family-friendly strategies to help keep your children focused and feeling confident through the holiday season, along with tips for a strong return in January.
1. Keep a Consistent Routine (as much as possible)
As schedules fill with holiday events, it’s easy for bedtimes, homework habits, or morning routines to slip. While flexibility is part of the season, consistency helps children feel secure and regulate their behavior and emotions.
Try this:
Maintain a regular sleep schedule, even during the break.
Keep a predictable after-school routine for homework, unpacking backpacks, and preparing for the next day.
Limit screen time on school nights to support focus and sleep.
Evidence shows that children do better in class when their home routines stay steady, especially those managing stress or trauma.
2. Connect Schoolwork to the Holidays
When excitement is high, attention spans are low. One way to boost engagement is to integrate seasonal themes into learning.
Ideas for parents:
Ask your child to write holiday cards or thank-you notes (great for writing practice).
Let them help with cooking and ask them to double or halve recipes (practical math skills).
Read winter- or holiday-themed books together to keep literacy skills sharp.
Learning doesn’t have to stop outside the classroom; small, everyday moments count.
3. Stay in Touch with Teachers Before Break Begins
If your child has had challenges academically or emotionally this fall, don’t wait until January to check in. Teachers appreciate proactive communication, and early intervention is a core principle of CLC’s Education Advocacy Program.
Helpful questions to ask your child’s teacher:
Are there missing assignments my child can complete before break?
What skills or concepts would benefit from extra practice at home?
Is there anything I should watch during break regarding behavior, anxiety, or focus?
This helps to keep your child from falling behind during a busy time of year.
4. Build in Downtime and Emotional Check-Ins
The holiday season is joyful, but it can also be overwhelming. Changes in schedule, social events, family dynamics, or financial stress can affect children more than adults realize.
Support your child by:
Creating quiet time for rest and calming activities
Checking in with simple questions like: “How are you feeling about school right now?”
Watching for signs of anxiety, fatigue, or withdrawal
At CLC, we know that mental and emotional well-being directly affects school success. A calm child is a better learner.
5. Use Winter Break to Reset, not Retreat
Winter break should be restorative, not disruptive. Instead of treating it as a complete academic pause, think of it as a gentle reset.
Light-touch learning ideas:
Read for 20 minutes a day – together or independently
Review multiplication facts or sight words in fun, game-like ways
Visit the library and let your child choose books or audiobooks
Encourage journaling about holiday activities or feelings
These activities keep skills sharp without feeling like chores.
6. Prepare Early for the January Restart
Transitioning back to school after the holidays can be tough, especially for children experiencing stress, academic challenges, or difficult home circumstances.
A strong restart includes:
Re-establishing school-night bedtimes 4–5 days before school resumes
Visiting the school playground during break to reconnect younger children with the environment
Cleaning out backpacks and organizing school materials
Reviewing your child's planner, assignments, or teacher notes together
Setting one simple, achievable goal for January (e.g., “I will turn in homework on time;” or “I will read every night.”).
Small wins build confidence going into the new semester.
7. Advocate Early and Often
If your child is showing ongoing challenges with behavior, attendance, focus, or academic progress, January is an excellent time to ask the school for a meeting. Teachers and administrators are often reviewing mid-year progress and planning interventions.
The Children’s Law Center’s Education Advocacy Program can help families understand:
Educational rights
School responsibilities
How to request evaluations or support
Ways to collaborate with teachers to build the best possible plan for your child
Families don’t have to navigate these challenges alone.
Final Thoughts: Connection and Consistency Matter Most
The holiday season is full of opportunities to build strong relationships, support your child’s emotional health, and reinforce learning in joyful ways. With a few intentional habits, parents can keep children engaged in school, reduce stress, and set them up for success when January arrives.
CLC’s Education Advocacy Program is here to support families every step of the way. If you have questions or concerns about your child's educational progress, special education services, or school environment, reach out. We’re here to help.
