With schools closed children are often happy as they view the holiday as a time to relax and play with their peers. Parents may not view the school holidays the same as children as they have to come up with ways to keep their children occupied and safe. This often leads to children spending long hours on devices or complaining about being bored by being at home. The loss of structure that comes with the school holidays can also lead to children having long periods of inactivity but it can be a time to explore interests, strengthen family relations, and also help children develop life skills.
Creating healthy routines
While the school holidays are a break from school creating routines for children can be beneficial. Routines do not have to be stringent, they can be flexible and predictable so that children understand that there are expectations they need to meet. The routines can give children guidelines on the chores they need to do, how much screen time they are allowed a day, and a reviewed bedtime that allows them to get the rest they need. This makes it easy for children to adjust to the holiday as they have an understanding of what they should be doing through the day. The routines can also be used to help children adjust to getting back to school.
The closing of schools does not mean that children should stop learning. The holidays create a unique opportunity for children to learn through educational games and sharpen their creativity through reading or writing stories. Challenges can also be created to help children with financial literacy and grasping mathematics concepts. The aim is not to tire children out but to help them realize that learning can be fun and happen anywhere.
Managing screen time
One of the challenges that parents struggle with is the increased screen time that comes with the holidays. Children are glued to screens as they will be busy with gaming and social media and this can interrupt their sleep patterns and keep children inactive. Establishing screen time limits and having no phone or screen zones in the home can be helpful. Children should be encouraged to move their bodies, play outside and set time for interacting with family members. Unfortunately, children learn by observing what happens in their surroundings so parents have to model the behaviour they expect from their children.
Allow children to be bored
During the school holidays children often complain of being bored and adults find themselves in a position of ensuring that children are entertained. What is often seen as boredom can be an opportunity for children to learn emotion regulation, develop independence by coming up with their own activities instead of being dependent on parents to keep them entertained, and it allows for children to problem solve and be creative. This is not to say children should be left alone as they need adult guidance and monitoring. Instead of trying to ensure children are always entertained allowing them to be bored and think outside the box to create their own entertainment.
Supporting emotional wellbeing
Children do not all experience holidays the same, some children have anxiety about being at home and the change in routine. Having open conversations with children about their expectations for the school holiday can create room for children to express themselves and open room for more conversations about challenges that children face. Planning activities and creating routines for the school holidays is beneficial for everyone in the home. The school holidays can become a period in which children return to school not only rested, but also more independent, confident and emotionally prepared for the term ahead.