As the summer holidays draw to a close in the UAE, many parents are finding themselves caught in a frantic race to finish holiday assignments, restart extracurricular activities, and re-establish strict sleep schedules. This "cramming" culture, often fueled by parental anxiety, leaves little room for children to decompress before the academic demands of the new term begin. Educators and psychologists warn that this approach is frequently counterproductive; rather than arriving at school refreshed and curious, many students start their first day feeling physically drained and mentally overwhelmed.

Experts suggest shifting the focus from intense academic drilling to a more gradual transition. Principals and health professionals emphasize that children benefit far more from a gentle return to routine—such as normalizing sleep times and enjoying family meals—than from last-minute tutoring sessions. By prioritizing a calm environment and maintaining an optimistic outlook, parents can foster the emotional resilience their children need to succeed. Ultimately, the goal should be to cultivate a sense of responsibility and discipline throughout the year, rather than attempting to solve months of summer laxity with a stressful, high-pressure final week.