Is your child tired after school? Why UAE parents can expect this in first few days

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.