Weekly Wins 44: Minimising Stressful School Holidays

School holidays! Honestly, they seem to pop around so fast don’t they!!

I have spoken before about them, and how they bring both excitement and potential overwhelm in another blog post, but this blog is about planning for the school holidays! BUT, if you’re in the middle of school holidays right now, this is still a worthy task to do to set the stage for the remainder of the holidays!

Sitting down as a family to discuss your plans can be a great way to get everyone involved and excited. It’s also an opportunity to ensure that expectations are clear and everyone’s needs are met. So, gather around the table, get comfy, and let’s see what you might want to consider and how you could plan together.

1. Start by Setting Some Goals and Expectations

Begin by asking everyone what they’d like to get out of the holidays. Are you looking for relaxation, adventure, or time to catch up on things you haven’t had time for? It’s important to set some realistic goals and expectations. Some family members may be working, some may want to visit new places, while others might just need a break. Try to find a balance that works for everyone.

You could say something like:

- "What’s one thing you’d really like to do this holiday?"

- "Is there something you’ve been wanting to try or somewhere you’d like to visit?"

By discussing this, you’ll create a sense of anticipation and set the tone for what the holidays will look like. If one of the parents is working, or both, then the expectation is clear that we wont be able to go away. If you are able to take some time off, then you are letting them know the expectations in advance. Plus, involving everyone in the planning process makes them feel valued, heard and included.

2. Create a Flexible Schedule

Once you’ve got some ideas on the table, the next step is planning. Structure is important, especially for kids who thrive on routine, but you don’t want to over-schedule. A loose plan with room for spontaneity can strike the perfect balance.

You might suggest:

- "Let’s plan out a few key activities but leave some days open for whatever we feel like doing."

- "We could have one day for a big outing and another day for some quiet time at home."

Consider making a visual calendar together, where you map out activities while leaving some space for flexibility. This will give everyone something to look forward to, but also make room for rest and relaxation. A visual calendar is also useful for watching the holidays come up, and also watching them go…. It also helps to focus everyone in the right place, for example, “It’s a work day today, so if Mum/Dad can do all of their work today, then tomorrow we will be able to do things together!”. Parents, also important to stick to that!

3. Discuss Budget and Resources

It’s important to set realistic expectations about what’s possible. Talk about what’s within your budget and remind your children that not every activity has to be expensive to be fun. Your energy is also a resource – be aware of scheduling too many activities!

You could ask:

- "What are some fun things we can do around the house or in the neighbourhood that don’t cost much?"

- "Are there any free events happening in the community that we could check out?"

Look for free or low-cost activities like visiting local parks, museums, or community events. Setting these expectations early on helps avoid disappointment and teaches kids about budgeting and planning.

4. Get the Kids Involved in the Process

Kids love having a say FULL STOP. Haha! But also in what their holidays will look like. Once you have some ideas and goals in mind, let your children take part in organising activities. They could help plan a day trip, choose the games for a family game night, or decide on meals for the week.

You might say:

- "Why don’t you choose which park we visit this week, and we can all pack a picnic?"

- "Would you like to help plan our movie night? You can pick the movie and snacks!"

Not only does this empower your kids, but it also teaches valuable life skills like decision-making, responsibility, and creativity.

5. Balance Structured Time with Downtime

Holidays are also about unwinding, so be sure to include time for unstructured play and relaxation. Make sure to emphasise that it’s okay to have "do nothing" days where everyone can recharge and relax.

Discuss:

- "Some days we’ll just stay home and relax. Maybe we can have a pyjama day or a movie marathon!"

- "What’s something calm and fun we can do together when we need a rest?"

Balancing active days with quieter ones ensures everyone gets the downtime they need, and prevents burnout from too many activities.

6. Plan for Rainy Days or Last-Minute Changes

Weather can be unpredictable, and plans sometimes fall through, so have a backup list of indoor activities ready to go. Ask your family what they’d like to do if you end up staying in for the day.

You could ask:

- "What’s something fun we can do at home if the weather doesn’t cooperate?"

- "How about a rainy day box filled with games, crafts, and activities we can pull out if needed?"

This way, you’re prepared for the unexpected without scrambling for ideas, and you can still make the most of the time together.

7. End on a Positive Note

Before wrapping up the family chat, make sure to emphasise the fun and togetherness of the holidays. Leave space for everyone to feel excited about what’s to come, and let them know that their input is valued.

You might say:

- "I think we’ve got some great ideas! It’s going to be a really fun break."

- "We’ll have lots of time for both adventure and relaxation. I’m looking forward to spending it together!"

By including everyone in the planning process, you’ll ensure a holiday that reflects the needs and wishes of the whole family while creating lasting memories.

Planning for the school holidays doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. Sitting down together as a family to discuss your expectations, goals, preferences, and practicalities ensures that everyone is on the same page. By creating a loose schedule, budgeting wisely, and leaving room for last minute activities / weather / changes you’ll set the scene for a holiday filled with everything: fun, connection, and relaxation.

Remember, it’s not about having every second planned out but about spending quality time together and making the most of the break!