Thriving During School Holidays: 5 Top Tips
- Nicola Rayner
- Oct 24, 2024
- 3 min read
School holidays can be a whirlwind of feelings for parents. One moment you may be excited by the idea of family fun, and the next, you could be grappling with worries about managing your kids behaviour or finding ways to keep them entertained. This is completely normal, especially if your children have challenging behaviour or additional needs.
The good news? With some thoughtful planning and effective strategies, the school holidays can be a joyful time for everyone involved. Here are five top tips designed to help you navigate the school holidays while keeping your peace of mind intact.
1. Establish a Flexible Routine
Creating a routine is crucial during school holidays. It lays down a structure that helps children feel secure while allowing flexibility for spontaneous activities. Aim for a balanced routine that includes essential parts of the day but invites breaks for fun exploring the outdoors or art projects.
For instance, you might create a morning routine that includes playtime, breakfast, brushing teeth, and getting dressed, while your evenings consist of family dinners, baths, and bedtime stories.
Children thrive on predictability. By offering a constructive start and end to their day, you'll not only instill confidence but also make the day easier to navigate. This approach supports roughly children in feeling grounded even when faced with unexpected changes.
2. Foster a Culture of Gratitude
Practicing gratitude as a family is a simple yet impactful way to nurture a positive environment. Consider starting a tradition of sharing three things each family member is thankful for at dinner, from the beautiful weather to a memorable family outing.
Research shows that practicing gratitude can psychologically improve wellbeing. A study found that families who express gratitude regularly have a 25% boost in overall happiness. Cultivating appreciation also fosters a caring atmosphere, which leads to better behaviour.
3. Set Up Open-Ended Activities
Engaging your kids with open-ended activities which encourage creativity and imagination, allowing your children to drive their playtime. Examples include:
Water play: Set up a bucket of water with cups, sponges, and toys.
Crafting materials: Provide paper, markers, glue, and recyclables for art sessions.
Fort building: Offer pillows and blankets for indoor adventure zones.
These types of activities keep children engrossed, which then gives you a few precious moments to either relax or tackle household tasks. A bit of mess is often worth the peace and joy it brings!
4. Embrace Self-Care Without Guilt
Prioritizing self-care is essential, even during busy school holidays. Many parents feel guilty about taking time for themselves, yet it’s crucial to remember that you can't take care of others if you’re running on empty.
Don’t hesitate to let your kids enjoy a movie or a quiet activity while you recharge. Whether it's sipping tea, diving into a good book, or indulging in a hobby, taking time for yourself creates a better environment for your kids.
5. Don’t Go It Alone
Engaging with other families can enrich the school holiday experience and lighten the load. Even if it's just a trip to the park, it's much more fun with someone else. It can be daunting to spend time with other families if you are concerned about your child's behaviour. Try and remember that you know your child best, and you don't need to justify your parenting approach. If you are concerned about questions from others, try and have a few stock phrases prepared, such as "We find this is the best way to meet her needs" or "I know it's a bit unconventional, but it works for us" or "She have some additional needs which mean they find this sort of thing difficult so it's probably best to give her some space at the moment". I have a webinar on playdates which is free and addresses these concerns.
Final Thoughts
With thoughtful planning and open communication, school holidays can be enjoyable and manageable. By setting up a flexible routine, fostering a culture of gratitude, providing open-ended activities, prioritizing self-care, and connecting with other families, you can create a nurturing environment for both you and your children.
It’s natural to feel overwhelmed at times, but by employing these strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to make the most of this precious time together. Cheers to happy holidays—don't forget to take a moment for yourself each day!
Want to know more? We have some great free webinars on "Autism", "Preventing difficult behaviour", "Playdates that are actually fun!", and "Routine and structure". We also have a downloadable webinar on "Diffusing meltdowns" which is 30 minutes and just £15.
Personalised consultancy and coaching? If you would like to discuss your particular situation or address a specific concern we offer one-off consultations. Join Nicola for a one-hour video call to ask her all your questions, and receive her top practical tips on how to navigate these challenges.
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