Back-to-School Tips: Lemonade Play Expert Shares 5 Ways to Help Children Settle Back into Routine
As summer holidays come to an end, families across the UAE are preparing for the return to school. While a new academic year brings excitement and fresh opportunities, it also means adjusting to earlier mornings, structured routines and new environments-something that can feel overwhelming for many children.
According to Jennifer Hogan, Director of Family Entertainment at Hattan Group and Lemonade Play, easing into the transition gradually can help children adapt more confidently while reducing stress for the whole family.
Why Children May Struggle After School
One of the biggest surprises for parents is that children often appear settled at school but become emotional or irritable once they get home.
Jennifer Hogan explains that children spend the entire school day concentrating, following routines, managing friendships and regulating their emotions.
“Parents often think, ‘They were fine at school, so why are they behaving like this at home?’ But children may have spent the entire day managing expectations, relationships and emotions. Home can be where they finally feel safe enough to release some of that pressure.”
Rather than expecting children to immediately switch into homework mode, Hogan recommends allowing them time to decompress first.
1. Give Them Time to Decompress
Before asking questions or starting homework, allow children 20 to 30 minutes to unwind after school.
This time could include:
- Having a snack
- Quiet play
- Reading
- Drawing
- Physical movement
- Simply relaxing without screens
A short reset can help children process the day’s experiences before moving on to the next activity.
2. Don’t Expect Every Detail Straight Away
Parents naturally want to know how their child’s day went, but repeated questions immediately after school may feel overwhelming.
Instead of expecting a detailed recap, give children space to process the day in their own time.
If “How was school?” is met with “I don’t know,” it’s perfectly normal. Conversations often happen later when children feel more relaxed.
3. Let Play Lead the Way
Simple, open-ended play remains one of the best ways for children to regulate emotions after school.
Jennifer Hogan suggests leaving out creative materials such as:
- Colouring pencils
- Building blocks
- Magnetic tiles
- Arts and crafts
Rather than directing activities, allow curiosity to guide play naturally.
4. Repetition Builds Confidence
Children often return to the same games or activities repeatedly.
While adults may see repetition as boredom, it actually helps children develop confidence, predictability and mastery.
Instead of encouraging them to move on quickly, allow them to revisit favourite activities as often as they need.
5. Connect Before You Correct
If your child seems emotional or frustrated after school, connection is often more effective than correction.
Jennifer Hogan recommends beginning with simple moments such as:
- Sharing a snack
- A cuddle
- Ten minutes of play
- A laugh together
Meeting children’s emotional needs first can make routines like homework or dinner feel much easier afterwards.
Creating Space to Reset
Hogan also encourages parents not to feel responsible for filling every afternoon with organised activities.
“Children do not come home from school empty. They come carrying a whole day of experiences. Sometimes they need to talk, move or play. And sometimes they simply need to be still.”
Giving children opportunities for child-led play allows them to explore, imagine and regulate emotions at their own pace without pressure or structured outcomes.
Supporting Families Through Play
This philosophy forms the foundation of Lemonade Play, where discovery zones encourage open-ended, hands-on experiences designed around creativity, exploration and imagination rather than performance.
Families can visit through pay-and-play sessions or choose from a range of flexible memberships available across Lemonade Play’s UAE locations.
Lemonade Play is located at:
- Arabian Center, Dubai
- Triple 777 Center, Dubai
- Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi
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