Why Old Behaviors Resurface at the End of the School Year (and What to Do About It)

Wait, why is my kid biting again? Or melting down over nothing? Or falling apart in situations they’ve already learned to handle?

May 13, 2025

The End of the School Year = A Big Transition

Even if your child can’t tell time or count the days, they’re listening. They hear things like:

“You’re going to have so much fun at summer camp!”
“You’re going to have a new teacher next year!”
“We’re going on a summer vacation!”
“After the summer, you’re going to the big kids’ school for Kindergarten!”

Transitions—even exciting ones—can create stress. And kids who needed extra support during the year often need more support during times of change.

Regression Isn’t Failure—It’s a Signal

If your child made amazing progress this year but is suddenly struggling again? That’s normal. It doesn’t mean the support didn’t work. It just means their system is under pressure again. But What If Support Was Never Put in Place?

Let’s talk about the “wait and see” approach. Here’s what we know:

Kids don’t usually grow out of challenging or concerning behaviors—they grow into new versions of them.

What doesn’t go away on its own?

Chronic frustration
Emotional reactivity
Impulsivity
Retained reflexes

What we often see as “misbehavior” is actually a child hitting their limit.

When Skills Lag Behind, Behavior Breaks Down

When the demands placed on your child outpace their current skills—especially in areas like:

Emotional regulation
Frustration tolerance
Critical thinking under stress

—we often see what Dr. Ross Greene calls “incompatibility episodes.” These are the outbursts, refusals, and shutdowns that show up when expectations exceed ability.

So What Can You Actually Do?

Start Early.
Preschool is a powerful window to close skill gaps—and avoid years of struggle.

Stay Connected.
Already working with a provider? Don’t wait until a new issue shows up. Be proactive.

Get Moving.
Not everything has to be therapy. Try:

More time in nature
Swimming
Martial arts
Dance

These movement-based activities support brain-body development in powerful ways.

Book a complimentary discovery call.