From the Assistant Principal

Making the Most of the School Holidays

Adapted from the parenting insights of Dr Justin Coulson

With the holidays almost here, both kids and parents are due for a breather. After weeks of sport, music, schoolwork and the daily juggle of lunches, lost shoes and permission slips, everyone in the family is a little worn out.

The good news? School holidays are the perfect opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and rediscover a bit of joy as a family. Here are some ideas to help make that happen.

Go Easy on the Screens But Don't Stress About Them

It's tempting to let tired kids zone out in front of a screen, and a little downtime is genuinely fine. But research tells us that screens don't actually give the brain proper rest; while some parts switch off, others (like the visual cortex) stay highly stimulated.

The real key to relaxation isn't switching the brain off; it's giving it something different to focus on. So let the kids enjoy some guilt-free screen time over the holidays; just balance it with other kinds of activities.

Get Creative, Not Costly

Holidays are the ideal time for all those things there's never enough time for in term: a new playground, a bike ride by the river, or a family hike to a favourite spot. It's easy to spend big on holiday activities, but a little planning goes a long way. Libraries, museums, galleries, local councils and even shopping centres often run free, kid-friendly activities worth checking out.

There's also plenty to enjoy at home: pyjama days, baking, craft, or a picnic on the lawn. Mess included kids don't need to be tidy all the time!

A simple family rule to try: aim for one shared activity a day. Any more can feel like overkill; any less and boredom (and complaining) tends to creep in. Time together, even in small doses, is what really builds connection.

Boredom Isn't the Enemy

Being bored isn't a problem to solve; it's an opportunity. It gives kids room to be creative, explore, and figure things out for themselves. As parents, we don't need to fill every minute of the holidays.

Younger children need more guidance, but as kids get older, giving them space to find their own interests (even after a little grumbling) builds independence and resilience.

Watching Out for Anxiety and Stress

For some families, holidays bring more stress than relaxation. Kids may feel anxious about routine changes, missing friends, or an upcoming transition like a new school year. Parents, meanwhile, often juggle work, extra costs and the mental load of keeping everyone entertained.

A few things can help:

For kids: keep healthy routines around sleep and food, and talk openly about any worries. If they're heading into a big change, take practical steps together, like arranging a catch-up with friends.

For parents: try not to overload the calendar. Sit down as a family and plan ahead, including quiet time and some space for yourself too.

The holidays won't last forever, and neither will the years our kids want to spend them with us. A little planning and a lot of presence can help every family member find real joy in the break ahead.