Is your child running on empty?

If your child is more distracted, tearful or snappy than usual as the year winds down, they are most likely running on empty, not playing up.

By the final term, children have spent months concentrating, managing friendships and holding it together through a full school day, and their tank is close to empty.

Our Occupational Therapist Georgie describes a child’s day as packed with “occupations” and roles, so when that load stays high for months, even everyday jobs start to feel heavy. This is reduced capacity, and it is normal.

Signs a bush kid is cooked

Georgie says you know your child best, so watch for shifts in what’s usual. Common signs include a shorter fuse, tears over small things, trouble settling at night, less energy, digging their heels in over things they normally manage, and the odd sore tummy or headache.

What helps in these last weeks

Lower the demands. This is the time to strip routines back to the key anchors and let the extras go. Georgie’s tip is to pick the handful of tasks that really matter and ease off the rest.

Protect sleep and eating routines as the non-negotiables. Consistent bedtimes and good food do more for a worn-out child’s mood than anything else.

Reduce the morning rush. Georgie suggests sorting lunches, bags and clothes the night before so mornings have less heat in them.

Give permission for a quiet day. A day at home to recharge is a kindness when a child is genuinely spent, not a sign they are slacking.

Choose connection over a packed afternoon. Ten unhurried minutes beats another activity for a tired kid.

Mind your own tank too. Parents are juggling end of year, work and the run into Christmas, so it’s also important to be gentle on yourself.

Milestone years

If this is the year your child finishes Kindy for Prep, wraps up primary school, is going to boarding school, or finishes Year 12, expect bigger and more mixed feelings on top of the tiredness. This can also be the case if a friend is moving away.

A child can be excited and a bit sad at the same time, and that is healthy. Marking the ending helps, so a thank-you note to a teacher, a photo, or talking about the year just gone lets them close the chapter properly rather than skate over it.

If the end of year is weighing heavily on your child, our team is here to support both kids and parents with practical tools and strategies. Find out more and make an appointment here.