Boys Town Experts Share Mental Health Tips to Help Families and Students Start the New Year Strong

As the holiday season winds down, families and educators are helping children and teens transition back to school, schedules, and daily routines. For many students, the new year also signals the start of a new academic quarter—making January a critical time to restore structure, balance, and emotional well-being.

Boys Town experts say the return to routine can be challenging, but it also offers an opportunity to establish habits that support mental health well beyond the first weeks of the year.

“Routines aren’t just something we reset after a break, they’re a way of life that helps kids feel safe, focused, and emotionally regulated,” said Dr. Christopher Blank, licensed psychologist at the Boys Town Behavioral Health Center. “When schedules fade during the holidays, children often need time and guidance to get back into sync.”

During the holiday break, sleep schedules shift, screen time increases, and structure loosens. When school resumes, students are suddenly expected to wake up earlier, concentrate longer, and meet academic expectations, often while still adjusting emotionally.

“For educators, January can feel like starting over,” Blank said. “Students are returning after weeks of flexibility, and teachers are working hard to re-establish engagement, focus, and routine.”

Winter weather, shorter daylight hours, and academic pressure can further complicate the transition, particularly for students managing anxiety, ADHD, or emotional stress.

To help families start the year off strong, Boys Town encourages a focus on consistency rather than perfection. Experts recommend gradually reintroducing routines such as regular bedtimes and homework schedules, keeping daily expectations predictable, reinforcing routines as a long-term practice, and maintaining open communication between families and schools.

“Kids do best when the adults in their lives are aligned,” Blank said. “When families and educators work together, students are more likely to feel supported and successful.”

Parents and teachers are also encouraged to watch for signs that a child may be struggling during the transition, including irritability, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or withdrawal. Regular check-ins, patience, and positive reinforcement can help ease the adjustment.

“Getting back into routine doesn’t mean pushing kids harder,” Blank said. “It means offering structure with compassion and recognizing that adjustment takes time.”

For families who need additional guidance or emotional support, the Boys Town National Hotline (800-448-3000) is available 24/7. Trained human counselors provide confidential support to parents, children, and educators navigating stress, behavioral concerns, or emotional challenges.

“The new year doesn’t have to start with pressure,” Blank said. “With consistency, connection, and support, families can build routines that strengthen mental health all year long.”

About Boys Town South Florida:

For over a century, Boys Town has been a beacon of hope, transforming the lives of America's children and families through innovative youth, research, and healthcare programs. Boys Town South Florida has been providing life-changing care to area children and families since 1991. Our programs and services are part of the Boys Town national network and include the organization's research-proven methods, which ensure that troubled children and families across the country receive the right care, at the right time, in the right way. You can find more information about Boys Town online at www.boystown.org.