The Overlooked Transition Parents Need to Know About
Let’s talk about the other big transition no one prepares for: the end-of-school-year behavior!
Everyone talks about the first day of school. The backpacks. The nerves. The tears (from you and your kid). But what no one prepares you for is the last day—and all the weird weeks leading up to it. This is an emotional transition too, and it can take families by surprise.
As a teacher, I’ve seen kids go from confident and cheerful to clingy and chaotic in a matter of days. I’ve also watched parents feel blindsided, wondering, “What happened to my easygoing kid?”
Here’s the truth: this season is big. And just like you supported them into the school year, they need help getting out of it, too.
Why Kids Get Weird; The End of School Year Behavior
Spoiler: It’s not just excitement for summer.
There’s something about the month of May that shifts the energy. Maybe it’s the countdowns, the class trips, or the fact that summer is dangling just out of reach. But for kids, this season feels shaky. And when kids feel unsure, it tends to show up in their behavior.
Here are a few reasons why your child might be melting down more often, sleeping less, or struggling with things they’d previously mastered:
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Big Feelings About Goodbyes: Even if they aren’t saying it, your child may be dreading saying goodbye to their teacher, classmates, or even the daily routine. Transitions are emotional.
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Change = Stress: Kids thrive on structure, and the end of the school year is filled with changes, both anticipated and unpredictable. The uncertainty can be unsettling.
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Mental Fatigue: They’ve been learning, growing, and socializing all year. Their tanks are low, and the finish line still feels far away.
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Academic Pressure: Older students may be facing tests or final projects, and even little ones can feel the pressure to “finish strong.” It’s a lot to carry.
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Sensory Overload: Spirit days, assemblies, noise, crowds, sunshine—all fun, but overstimulating.
I once had a student who melted down over the insole of his shoe, which had folded itself awkwardly. That same week, his mom emailed me to say he was suddenly refusing to get dressed in the morning. He wasn’t regressing—he was just maxed out emotionally and didn’t know how to say so.
What Teachers Wish Parents Knew
Here’s what’s happening on our side of the desk.
Teachers see this every year. We expect it. We plan for it. And we do our best to be the steady in the storm. But there are a few things we wish we could say out loud—without sounding like we’re venting:
We’re Not Slacking Off
There’s a shift in energy during these last few weeks, yes—but we’re not just coasting. You might see more crafts and outdoor time, but rest assured: it’s all purposeful. We’re helping students wind down while still engaging in meaningful learning.
Your Kid Might Act Differently at School
Some kids save their best behavior for the classroom and fall apart at home. Others unravel at school because that’s where they feel safest. Both are valid. And both versions of your child are “real.”
We See Their Growth
We’ve watched your child all year. And while report cards can’t capture everything, we see the quiet wins—the confidence, the friendships, the small, brave moments.
We’re Grieving Too
We’ve spent nearly every day with your child for ten months. Trust me: the tears aren’t just on your side. We’ll miss them too.
We Need Grace
June is joyful—and exhausting. We’re juggling assessments, prepping classroom clean-outs, managing extra events, and holding space for 20+ little humans who are emotionally fraying. If we take a bit longer to reply to an email, it’s not because we don’t care.
How to Support Your Child Through the End-of-School-Year Transition
You don’t need to “fix” anything—but a few small tweaks can go a long way! These next few weeks don’t need to be picture-perfect. But some simple supports at home can ease your child’s stress and help them feel grounded.
Stick to Predictable Routines
When the school schedule becomes unpredictable, home routines become even more important. Try to keep wake-ups, meals, and bedtimes steady—even when special events pop up. Predictability helps kids feel safe.
Use Visual Calendars
A calendar that shows the number of days left, upcoming field trips, or celebrations can help anxious kids feel more in control. You can even involve them in crossing off each day—it builds excitement and reduces uncertainty.
Talk About What’s Changing
Don’t avoid the topic. Use gentle, age-appropriate language to acknowledge what’s coming. Saying things like, “This is your last library day!” or “Next year you’ll be in Mrs. Shaw’s class!” helps make the transition feel real and manageable.
Label Their Feelings
If your child is being extra sensitive or moody, validate first. Try: “I wonder if you’re feeling a little weird with everything going on at school lately. That makes sense.” Naming the emotion helps them feel seen—and less alone.
Don’t Overbook
It’s tempting to pack in all the things—baseball playoffs, dance recitals, graduation ceremonies. But your child needs downtime, even if it’s just a quiet half-hour with some LEGO. Protect the white space in your calendar.
Offer Connection, Not Correction
If your child is acting out, try to lead with compassion. They don’t need a lecture—they need to feel safe. Think snuggles over scolding, hugs over time-outs. You can circle back to boundaries when everyone’s regulated.
What helps:
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Sensory play: water tables, Play-Doh, kinetic sand
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Snacks (emotional labor makes them hungry)
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Extra one-on-one time—even 10 minutes of undivided attention makes a big difference
When to Worry (And When Not To)
Most of the time, year-end behaviors are temporary. But keep an eye out for red flags. Some behaviors are developmentally normal this time of year. Others might need a little more attention. Here’s a quick guide:
Totally Normal:
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Tantrums over small things
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School refusal that passes quickly
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Increased clinginess or regressions
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More crying, less patience
These behaviors usually resolve on their own once the transition has passed—especially with your support.
Worth Watching:
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Refusal that lasts into the first weeks of summer
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Sudden withdrawal or lack of interest in favorite things
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Big changes in eating or sleeping
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Aggression or language that signals emotional overwhelm
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to ask your child’s teacher for insight—or loop in a healthcare provider. You’re not overreacting. You’re advocating.
Teachers + Parents; We’re in This Together!
You’re not imagining it. And you’re not alone.
The end-of-school-year transition is one of those “invisible” milestones no one warns you about. But it’s real. And it’s tough—for kids, parents, and teachers alike. If your child is acting out of character, know that it’s probably not a step backward. It’s just part of growing up—and growing out of one season into another.
So take a deep breath. Lower your expectations. Offer grace to your child, to yourself, and maybe even to their teacher.
You’ve all come so far. And even if the last stretch feels a little bumpy, you’re still heading in the right direction.
Oh, and once school starts up again – you’ll want to be prepared for the After School Restrain Collapse as they ease back into routine.
