End-of-year fatigue in kids: Signs of overload & how to support them

If your child is more teary, snappy or clingy than usual, there’s a good chance they’re feeling the pressure of the end-of-year rush. In the final weeks of the school term, it’s common for children to show signs of emotional fatigue — especially if they’re sensitive or highly active.

You might notice they’re more irritable, reluctant to go to school or cry about things that wouldn’t normally bother them. Some kids become more withdrawn or have trouble falling asleep. Others complain of stomach aches, headaches or simply say they’re “tired” a lot. These can all be signs that a child’s nervous system is overwhelmed.

Just like adults, kids need time, space and the right kind of support to regulate their nervous system. And while we can’t always remove the pressures of school, we can create an environment that supports them at home.

Here are a few simple strategies that can help your child settle as the school year winds down:

Focus on the basics: food, sleep and routine
When kids are tired, it’s easy for basic routines to slide. School events, late nights and after-school activities often mean more processed snacks, less rest and unpredictable mealtimes. Try establishing a consistent - but flexible - routine, with balanced meals, reasonable bedtimes and a little extra downtime after school.

You might also try small “anchors” during the day, for example, a favourite after-school snack, a consistent bedtime story or some quiet time before dinner. These little rituals help the nervous system feel safe.

Nourish their nervous system with calming meals
When stress is high, many kids become more reactive to sugar, food additives and blood sugar crashes. Try to offer meals and snacks that include protein, healthy fats and fibre to support mood and energy. Some calming options include eggs and toast, oats with seeds and fruit, chicken and rice bowls, or smoothies with nut butter. Mineral-rich foods like leafy greens, avocado, bananas and pumpkin seeds also help support the nervous system.

Avoiding excessive processed foods and artificial additives can go a long way to reducing hyperactivity and emotional reactivity.

Create space for downtime
After school, allow some quiet time before launching into homework or activities. Some kids need to move their bodies, while others prefer reading or quiet play. Think of it like a nervous system reset — a way to come back to baseline before switching into the next activity. Even 10–15 minutes of unstructured, no-pressure time can help them regulate.

Dim lighting, background music, a warm bath or quiet creative activities like drawing or lego can all be helpful here.

Make room for feelings
The end of the year can stir up a lot - excitement, stress, sadness about changes or exhaustion from holding it all together. Allowing opportunities for kids to talk about what they’re feeling (without rushing to fix it) can be just what some children need. Let them know it’s okay to feel a bit “off” this time of year.

Try asking open-ended questions like, “What felt hard today?” or “Is there something you’re looking forward to or worried about?”

If your child is struggling with emotional regulation, energy or sleep, I’d love to support you. You can book a consultation or free discovery call via my website.