E-Paper
Sign In
Is your child tired after school? Why UAE parents can expect this in first few days
Experts say parents should focus on helping children ease back into the rhythm rather than expecting them to immediately operate at full speed
- PUBLISHED: Tue 25 Aug 2026, 6:00 AM
As the UAE gets ready for the new academic year, the first week back may leave some children more tired than excited. Schools across the country are preparing to welcome students from August 31, with some beginning orientation programmes and induction activities earlier.
For parents, a sleepy child coming home from school, needing an earlier bedtime or struggling to concentrate on homework can raise concerns about whether something is wrong.
Recommended For You
But experts say this is often a normal part of the transition. After weeks of relaxed summer routines, children are suddenly expected to wake up early, concentrate for several hours, socialise and adjust to new teachers, classrooms and expectations.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Mr Simon Crane, Head Master of Brighton College Dubai, said the change can be demanding even for children who are happy to return. “It is entirely normal for children to feel tired during the first few days back at school,” he said, adding that earlier mornings, busy classrooms, new routines and sustained concentration all contribute to this.
Parents, he said, should focus on helping children ease back into the rhythm rather than expecting them to immediately operate at full speed.
Use the Khaleej Times calculator to check your family's back-to-school costs
“Parents can help by gradually re-establishing regular bedtimes, keeping mornings calm and ensuring children eat well and stay hydrated,” Crane said.
He also advised parents not to fill the first few evenings with activities or extra academic work, giving children time to rest and talk about their day.
Big adjustment for young bodies
Dr Jobby Jacob, Specialist Pediatrician at Medeor Hospital, Dubai, said parents should not be alarmed by tiredness during the first week.
“Think about what we are asking a child’s body to do. After weeks of sleeping in, snacking freely, and having very little structure, we suddenly expect them to wake up at 6.30am, sit still, concentrate, socialise, and follow a full day of rules,” he said.
The change affects more than energy levels. Jacob said summer sleep patterns can disrupt a child’s circadian rhythm, while emotional adjustments such as meeting new teachers and returning to social settings can also consume energy.
His advice is to keep wake-up times consistent, including at weekends, and move bedtime earlier gradually if needed.
“If the child’s bedtime is not yet aligned with the school routine, shift it earlier by about 15 minutes each day,” he said, warning against long weekend sleep-ins that can push the body clock backwards again.
Food and hydration also matter. Jacob recommends a protein-rich breakfast, consistent meal times and regular water intake, rather than relying on sugary snacks for quick energy.
Parents should also switch screens off about an hour before bedtime and keep devices out of the bedroom overnight.
The first two weeks may also require a lighter after-school schedule. Jacob recommends giving children 20 to 30 minutes of unstructured downtime before homework or activities and avoiding overscheduling.
Don't expect peak productivity immediately
At Diyafah International School, Abu Dhabi, Principal Nicole Haynes said the emphasis should be on “gentle consistency rather than perfection”.
She encouraged families to gradually restore routines around meals, play and bedtime, while keeping communication open.
“Prioritise rest, healthy habits, and open conversations about how your child is feeling,” Haynes said. “Small, predictable routines provide a sense of security and help children settle back into school life with confidence and resilience.”
The school is starting orientation programmes for parents and students from August 27 across EYFS, Primary and Secondary, ahead of the academic year beginning on August 31.
Haynes said these sessions give children a chance to familiarise themselves with their environment, meet teachers and understand expectations before the full school routine begins.
“Starting a new school, or even moving into a new year group, can feel daunting for children as they meet new teachers, form new friendships, and adapt to different expectations,” she said. “It is important to remember that adjustment takes time.”
Dr Abin Vijayan, Specialist Paediatrician at Prime Medical Centre, Burjuman branch, also advised parents to build in a pause between school and homework.
“After-school, allow the child time to rest, hydrate and have a snack before starting homework. Keep extracurricular activities manageable during the first one or two weeks and avoid overscheduling.
Establish a quiet study area and divide homework into manageable periods with short breaks. Do not regularly compromise the child’s sleep to complete non-urgent schoolwork.”
