🧠 Why the New Year Can Feel Big (OT Lens)

The first morning after the holidays, the house felt quieter—but heavier.

No more visitors. No special meals. No extra hands around.

I watched my child wander from room to room, opening drawers, looking for something familiar from the week before. Not upset—just searching.

That moment reminded me:

Kids don’t mark time by calendars.

They feel change in routines, energy, and availability.

The New Year can feel exciting to us—but to kids, it’s just another transition their nervous system has to make sense of.

For kids, especially babies and toddlers, the New Year often comes with:

🔄 Routine Shifts

Back to daycare, school, work schedules, earlier mornings, fewer visitors.

🧠 Sensory Changes

Less stimulation after the holidays can feel just as dysregulating as too much.

❤️ Emotional Processing

Kids may cling more, resist transitions, or seem “off” as they recalibrate.

None of this means something is wrong.

It means their nervous system is adjusting.

🛠️ OT-Friendly Ways to Start the Year

1️⃣ Focus on Rhythm, Not Resolutions

Kids thrive on predictability.

Choose one anchor point—morning routine, bedtime routine, or mealtime—and stabilize that first.

2️⃣ Name What’s Happening

“You’re noticing things feel different today.”

“We’re back to our regular mornings now.”

Language helps kids organize their experience.

3️⃣ Build in Regulation Before Expectation

Before asking for cooperation, attention, or independence—offer movement, connection, or pressure.

4️⃣ Set Tiny, Shared Goals

Instead of “be better,” try:

– more floor play together

– one book a night

– one walk a day

Small is sustainable.

5️⃣ Expect Some Wobble

Regressions, clinginess, and big feelings are normal during transitions.

They’re part of recalibration—not failure.

🌱 A Gentle “New Year Routine” for Kids

This takes 5–10 minutes and helps bodies reset:

• Morning: big stretch or animal walk

• Midday: heavy work (carrying laundry, pushing a basket)

• Evening: quiet connection (reading, snuggling, storytelling)

Consistency matters more than perfection.

💬 Last Week’s Parent Check-In Results

Last week, we asked how your child typically handles opening presents. Here’s what you shared:

🎁 35% — Wants to open everything fast
High excitement, big energy, and very little pause between gifts.

🕰️ 27% — Needs help and time
Careful explorers who want support, slower pacing, and predictability.

🌪️ 21% — Gets overwhelmed easily
The noise, attention, and anticipation can be a lot for these nervous systems.

👀 11% — Loves watching others open gifts
Observant kids who prefer to take it all in before jumping in.

🔄 6% — Depends on the day
Energy level, environment, and timing all influence how gift-opening goes.

A helpful reminder: there’s no “right” way to open presents—just different nervous systems responding to a very stimulating moment.

💬 This Week’s Parent Check-In

As the New Year begins, what feels hardest right now?

1️⃣ Getting back into routines

2️⃣ Big emotions or clinginess

3️⃣ Sleep disruptions

4️⃣ Transitions (daycare, school, work)

5️⃣ Honestly… all of it

👉 Reply with your number.

Next week, I’ll share the results—and OT strategies tailored to what most families are feeling.

_{Disclaimer: The content in Mom on the Clock is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental, or therapeutic advice. Every child is unique—always seek the advice of your pediatrician, occupational therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or developmental concern. When in doubt, trust your instincts and seek personalized guidance}