The holiday season brings a break from school for students, but it can bring on unexpected stress as well.  

Mental health experts say that sometimes the days off, particularly those with a change in social and sleep schedule, can negatively impact children in ways parents may not realize.

“The first thing is just to really manage, to know your child, and to manage expectations,” said Katie Peinovich, licensed clinical social worker. “So let them know what is coming, let them know what to expect, what are you going to be doing, who is going to be there, lay out the behavioral expectations." 

Peinovich adds that after the holiday break is over, it’s important to get your kids back on track from where they left off, like resetting their alarms and putting them back on a consistent eating and after-school schedule.