Student Engagement & Wellbeing News

Supporting routines over the school holidays

Routines provide a sense of structure and predictability for both children and parents / carers. They help us stay on track and get through our everyday tasks with more ease. Holidays and time off from school are a great opportunity to relax and enjoy some less structured time, however, some children may find lack of routine overwhelming or unsettling. Here are some practical strategies that parents/caregivers can use to support students during times:

• Keep morning and bedtime routines the same

• Use visual charts to remind your child of the routine steps

• Before going anywhere new, discuss what might happen, who you might see, and activities you may participate in

• Look at pictures of unfamiliar places prior to visiting them

• Check in and see how everyone is feeling 

• Validate emotions and new experiences, for example, you may say: “It’s ok to be nervous about starting soccer, but you’ve done such a great job being brave and going to practice anyway.”

If you would like further information about routines, please visit the Raising Children website: Routines for families: how & why they work | Raising Children Network

I hope you all enjoy a slower pace over the school holidays, and get to spend some time relaxing with family and friends.