Weekly Wins 29: School holidays are here, again, already!?!

School holidays are coming up, believe it or not. Then we will be half way through the year, believe that or not! 😱 I like and dislike school holidays, so much that I wrote this blog on it. It’s funny as I wrote this I could actually feel myself in each moment, in each “high” I had visceral feelings – lightness, excitement, warmth in my heart, and with each “low” I had feelings of tightness in my chest, frustration, dwindling bank account etc…

Whilst these breaks from the school routine offer precious opportunities for quality family time and relaxation, they also come with their fair share of challenges. Here are my top three highs and lows of school holidays from a parent's perspective, and how I navigate them!

Highs:

1. Quality Family Time:
One of the most cherished aspects of school holidays is the chance to spend uninterrupted time with our children. Whether it's embarking on outdoor adventures, enjoying movie marathons, or simply lounging around in pyjamas (a frequent occurrence in our household, especially in the chillier months!), school holidays provide valuable moments for bonding and memories. These unhurried days offer opportunities to connect with our children, fostering stronger family relationships and a sense of closeness that lasts beyond the holiday season.

2. Flexibility and Freedom:
Say goodbye to the morning rush and strict schedules – THANK GOODNESS!! school holidays bring a welcome sense of flexibility and freedom. With no early wake-up calls or frantic school runs, parents and children can enjoy the luxury of setting their own pace and pursuing activities that fill their cup and curiosity. Whether it's exploring new hobbies, visiting local attractions, or indulging in “being lazy” at home, the freedom of school holidays allows families to embrace spontaneity and adventure, or not, the choice is yours, creating moments of enjoyment and excitement that break free from the constraints of the daily grind.

3. Rest and Relaxation:
School holidays offer a much-needed reprieve from the demands of homework, extracurricular activities, and packed schedules. Parents and children can take advantage of this downtime to recharge their batteries and prioritise self-care or good old fashion relaxation whatever that looks like to you. Whether it's indulging in lazy mornings, taking leisurely naps, or enjoying guilt-free moments of relaxation, school holidays provide an opportunity to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul (as cliché as that one is!). By embracing a slower pace and embracing moments of stillness and tranquillity, parents can replenish their energy reserves and approach the new school term with renewed vigour and vitality.

Lows:

1. Juggling Work and Parenting:
For working parents, school holidays can pose a significant logistical challenge (nightmare) as they navigate the delicate balance between professional responsibilities and caregiving duties. Finding childcare arrangements, adjusting work schedules, and managing deadlines can add stress and pressure to an already hectic season. The absence of the school routine can disrupt established routines and routines, requiring parents to adapt and find creative solutions to ensure their children are safe, engaged, and supervised during the holidays.

This is especially tricky for those of Neurodiverse Kiddos as the change in routine can be sometimes disastrous with new routines, structures, people, pressures, foods etc. It can take a lot of management and mental bandwidth and scaffolding pre holidays too!

2. Boredom and Cabin Fever:
Whilst our paid work builds up with the lack of hours spent on work for some, the kids boredom and cabin fever also builds exponentially!! While the freedom of school holidays can be liberating, it can also lead to bouts of boredom and cabin fever, especially if children struggle to entertain themselves or find engaging activities to fill their days. Without the structure and stimulation of the school day, children may become restless and irritable, leading to conflicts and tension within the household. Parents may find themselves scrambling to find ways to keep their children entertained and stimulated, balancing the desire for screen-free activities with the convenience of digital distractions.

3. Financial Strain:
School holidays can place a strain on family finances as parents navigate the costs associated with entertaining and caring for their children during this period. From holiday camps and outings to treats and outings, the expenses can quickly add up, putting pressure on household budgets and stretching resources thin. For families already facing financial hardship, the added burden of school holidays can exacerbate stress and anxiety, making it challenging to provide for their children's needs and maintain a sense of stability and security.

While school holidays can bring both highs and lows for parents, they also offer opportunities for growth, learning, and connection. By embracing the highs and finding strategies to navigate the lows, parents can make the most of this precious time with their children, creating cherished memories and strengthening family bonds along the way. Whether it's carving out moments for quality time, fostering independence and creativity, or seeking support and community, parents can approach school holidays with resilience, optimism, and a sense of adventure.

Personally, I find it really hard to adjust from holidays to back to school mode. It’s like when I wind down it takes me a long time to wind back up to the speed I was doing. To alleviate this, I don’t actually drop “all” the balls over the holiday break, i.e. I stick to my cleaning/washing/cooking routines and I keep the kids on a routine too, e.g. when we come home from being out, they need to unpack the bag we took, the still need to practice their instruments / do reading over the break too.

As the kids grow older they need me less and less during the holidays, I’m well aware that my time with the kids “needing” me is on the decrease (let’s face it, this is true for a lot of parents) so let’s cherish the highs, navigate the lows, and embrace the journey with open hearts and open minds. After all, all things good and bad come to an end and the true magic of school holidays lies not in the destination, but in the shared moments of laughter, love, and connection that make the journey worthwhile.

Do you like or dislike school holidays? Hit reply and let me know what you love and don’t love about it.

Much love,

Alison xx