ONE WEEK DOWN: SLOWING DOWN IN A BUSY SCHOOL DAY

Few days into the new year—and one week back at school.

That first week always feels like a world of its own. Not quite holiday, not fully routine either.

Mornings are happening again, but they’re still a little wobbly. School bags are half-packed the night before. Uniforms feel tighter than remembered. One sock has gone missing. And school WhatsApp groups are already buzzing with reminders—bring this, submit that, house colours tomorrow.

For children, this transition can feel big. The holiday rhythm of late nights, relaxed mornings, extra screen time with TV, iPads, and tablets, long chats with family, siblings, or even pets has only just ended. For some, sports and activities had been happening at times that usually belong to school hours. After weeks of freedom, the body, breath, mind, and spirit are now being asked to realign with routine—early wake-ups, getting ready for school, remembering bags, books, lunch boxes, class requirements, and sometimes even something special for a friend or group activity. Add exams into the mix for older children, and yes… that sounds exactly like January 2026.

For parents and guardians, the shift is no less real. The slightly slower mornings—sometimes even an extra 15 minutes of sleep—are gone. Shoes need tying, water bottles refilling, and someone always remembers something important just as you’re heading out the door. Yet, there is also something quietly comforting about this return to rhythm—children reconnecting with friends and teachers, and slowly finding their feet again.

Of course, the transition isn’t always smooth. The alarm gets snoozed. The duvet gets pulled over the head. “Five more minutes” is requested—by children and adults alike. Mornings feel rushed—and that doesn’t sound like a “child thing” at all. It sounds very human.

Hi! I’m Brinda Hora, the Founder, Author and Heart & Soul behind Happy Feet Yogi—a community created to help children slow down in busy days, breathe with awareness, and simply be kids in a fast-moving world. It’s also a nurturing space for parents who want to support their children with calm, balance, and care.

As school reopened, I asked a few children how the first week had felt. Their answers were all different. Some were excited, some tired, some happy to see friends, and some still finding their rhythm. And that’s the beauty of it—when given a choice, children express themselves honestly, and their voices are always worth listening to, with curiosity and a smile. So after one full week back, how do we support this settling-in phase?

How do we slow down the start of the day—especially when mornings still feel rushed?

How do we ground our own energy, and in turn, support our children?

We begin with the simplest tool we all carry: the breath.

Here’s the simple takeaway from this article:

Tomorrow morning, create a two-minute pause with your child before stepping out of the house. A few seconds of mindful breathing can make a difference. If time allows, take a minute or few. Simple practices like Yogi Breath, Balloon Breathing, and Finger Breathing help bring attention inward and create a sense of calm before the day unfolds.

✨ Try These Breaths Together

3–5 minutes | Child-friendly | No equipment needed

Click on the breath to practise: Yogi Breath, Balloon Breathing, and Finger Breathing and you will be directed to the Happy Feet Yogi YouTube channel, so your child can follow along gently and at their own pace—before school, after school, or anytime they need a pause.

If these practices resonate with your child, subscribing to the channel is a lovely way to stay connected with the Happy Feet Yogi community and access more short, supportive videos designed to help children navigate daily life—school days, activity days, rest days, and everything in between.

Before leaving home, add one gentle affirmation—whatever feels natural in that moment:

• I AM grateful for today.
• I AM grateful for the people I will meet.
• I AM grateful to be back at school.
• I AM blessed, and today is going to be a good day.

Say it together—perhaps while putting on shoes or just before closing the door—and notice how it shifts the energy.

Mornings don’t have to be perfect. Keep the practice short, simple, and kind. Affirmations can also be shared during the drive to school or the walk to the bus stop. Over time, this small pause can become a steady ritual—something familiar in the middle of busy mornings.

If your child feels tired, nervous, or overwhelmed during the day, remind them that they can return to their breath anytime, anywhere. The breath gently communicates with the brain, heart, and nervous system, helping the body settle and feel safe again.

This practice can support children throughout the day—after school, before activities, and even before bedtime. Breath, combined with gratitude and affirmation, goes a long way—for children, and just as much for parents and guardians. One week down doesn’t mean everything has to feel settled already. Sometimes, slowing down isn’t about adding more time—it’s about adding a little more awareness.

Stay Connected

If you’d like to continue this journey with us, you can find Happy Feet Yogi on YouTube and Instagram for simple practices, mindful moments, and tools that support children’s everyday lives.

For classes, collaborations, or to learn more, feel free to reach out or follow along— we’d love to have you as part of our growing community.

Happy Feet. Happy Hearts.