If you're anything like me, coming back from a summer holiday always feels like a mix of relief and chaos. The suitcases are unpacked (kind of), laundry is never-ending, and suddenly the school run is just around the corner. And in the middle of it all, your nanny is back too - ready to support, but probably also adjusting after a change of pace.
Whether your nanny travelled with you, stayed back in Dubai, or took her own annual leave, now is the perfect time to reset household routines. This transition period is key for re-establishing structure for your children and your nanny so that everyone starts the new term on the right foot.
Here’s a warm, practical guide for resetting your family’s rhythm after the holidays.
Step One: Reconnect With Your Nanny
Before jumping straight into new schedules and expectations, take a little time to reconnect. If your nanny stayed back while you were away, she might appreciate a warm catch-up. If she travelled too, check in on how her time off went.
This doesn’t need to be formal. A casual chat over coffee or while folding laundry can do wonders to realign. You can gently touch on how the new routine will look and share any updates about school timings, new activities, or house rules.
Step Two: Review the Weekly Schedule
After weeks of relaxed routines, late bedtimes, and travel plans, it’s helpful to lay out what the upcoming weeks will look like. Sit down together and review your family’s weekly rhythm.
Things to include:
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School pick-up and drop-off times
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Meal and snack schedules
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Nap or quiet time for younger kids
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Homework or reading time
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Extracurriculars and tuition timings
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Weekend routines
Creating a simple weekly planner - something you can print and put on the fridge helps everyone stay in sync. It also sets clear expectations and eases the mental load for both parents and your nanny.
Step Three: Reset Household Expectations
The holidays are a time when rules get a little softer. Screen time goes up, chores get skipped, and mealtimes stretch out. That’s completely okay, but now is a great time to reset.
Talk to your nanny about:
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Which house rules are staying the same and which ones are changing
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Any updates on discipline or rewards systems
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How to ease kids back into age-appropriate responsibilities (e.g., packing their own school bag or tidying up toys)
Being on the same page means your nanny can reinforce these habits during the day, even when you're not home.
Step Four: Adjust Sleep and Mealtimes Gradually
One of the toughest transitions after a long break is bedtime. If your children have been staying up late during the summer, start bringing bedtime forward gradually—about 15 minutes earlier each night until you're back to school timing.
Let your nanny know the new target bedtime and wake-up times so she can begin shifting daytime naps, meals, and quiet time to support a smoother adjustment.
Step Five: Check In On Your Nanny’s Needs Too
Just like kids and parents, your nanny is also coming back from a shift in routine. Maybe she was busier while you were away, or maybe she took time off and is now re-adjusting. Either way, she may need a few days to settle back into full routine mode.
Ask how she’s feeling, whether she needs any resources or support, and let her know you appreciate her flexibility and patience as everyone transitions.
Bonus: Ease Kids Into the New Routine with Small Rituals
Children love predictability, but they also thrive on connection. Here are a few things I’ve found helpful:
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Leave little lunchbox notes during the first week back
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Let your nanny and child create a fun after-school ritual, like a snack picnic or a short story break
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Keep mornings calm by preparing uniforms, bags, and meals the night before
These small steps go a long way in creating emotional comfort and structure after a fun, unstructured summer.
The post-summer reset doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. With a little planning, kind communication, and small daily rituals, your nanny and children can ease back into a routine that works for everyone.
Want more help with routines? Check out our earlier article on Creating a Nanny Schedule in Dubai That Works for Your Family for inspiration and tips tailored to busy families.
