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The countdown is on. School bags are nearly packed away, lunch boxes are seeing their final cheese string, and children everywhere are dreaming of six glorious weeks of freedom. Parents, however, are mostly staring into the middle distance wondering how they’ll survive it.
Preparing for the school holidays isn’t just about planning activities – it’s about managing expectations (yours and theirs), setting a rhythm, and finding moments of calm in the chaos. Whether you’re working through the summer, juggling part-time chaos, or going full-on staycation mode, here’s a practical, realistic guide to surviving – and even enjoying – the weeks ahead.
1. Set the Tone Early
Before school’s even out, talk to your children about what the summer might look like. Set expectations around screen time, bedtime (yes, it still exists), chores, and family plans.
Having a rough “daily rhythm” rather than a strict schedule helps kids feel secure – and gives parents a little structure to hold onto. Something like:
- Morning: Chores
- Late morning: Outing or activity
- Afternoon: Chill time, crafts, or garden play
- Early evening: Family walk, dinner, and wind-down
It’s flexible enough to allow for spontaneity but structured enough to stop you spiralling into “What are we doing today?” dread by 8:15am.
2. Create a Summer Calendar
Kids love knowing what’s coming up – even if it’s just “trip to the library” or “picnic in the garden.” Print out a blank calendar and fill it with:
- Holidays or trips
- Days out (theme parks, swimming, museum visits)
- Playdates or sleepovers
- Free events or library activities
- Home days with crafts, baking, or film nights
Stick it somewhere central and let the kids help decorate it. It’ll help build excitement and reduce the barrage of “Are we doing anything today?”
3. Mix Big Days with Slow Days
One common trap when preparing for the school holidays is over-planning. Yes, exciting outings are great, but you don’t need to play tour guide for six weeks straight. Alternate busy days with slower ones to prevent burnout (theirs and yours). I once knew a parent who had spent 1K in the first two weeks of the school holiday on exciting days out!!!!
Great low-effort home ideas:
- Garden treasure hunts
- Movie marathons with popcorn
- Lego or puzzle-building challenges
- Making their own snack bar or sandwich shop for lunch
- Water play and paddling pool afternoons
Pro tip: “Boredom” is not an emergency. Some of the best creativity comes from kids having space to entertain themselves.
4. Stock Up on Supplies
Arm yourself with:
- Craft kits and supplies
- Pavement chalk and bubbles
- Books, puzzles, and activity pads
- Free printables and scavenger hunts
- Frozen snacks and plenty of lollies
A “boredom box” full of activities they can pick from is a brilliant backup when the energy dips or the rain appears (inevitably).
5. Involve Kids in Planning
Let them help choose activities for the week. Give them options like:
- One “big” trip
- One craft or baking session
- One new thing to try
- One family game night
- One act of kindness (baking for a neighbour, litter pick)
This gives them ownership and teaches balance – plus you’ll probably avoid a few meltdowns when they feel involved.
6. Manage Your Own Expectations
You don’t have to make every day magical. Some days will be chaos. Some days you’ll scroll your phone and count down to bedtime. Some days the TV will be on too long. That’s OK.
Your kids don’t need a Pinterest-perfect summer. They need connection, laughter, snacks, and a few good memories. If that includes a meltdown in the car park of a soft play centre followed by an emergency ice cream, that still counts.
7. Prep for Transitions
The end of term, and eventually the return to school, can be tricky for children. Keep some structure even in the holidays – regular mealtimes, some quiet reading time, and gentle reminders that school isn’t gone forever.
If possible, avoid an abrupt back-to-school morning shock. Gradually shift bedtimes earlier during the last week and chat positively about what’s coming next.
One Day at a Time
The school holidays are long. They’re also full of opportunity – to explore, rest, bond, and grow (even if that includes weeds in your garden and tempers on occasion). By preparing for the school holidays with a little thought and a lot of flexibility, you can create a summer that works for your family – whatever that looks like.
So stock the freezer, charge the tablets, dig out the garden games, and remember: you’ve got this!
