MHiPS

Hello from Mrs Loverso!

Wow! Can you believe it is the last week for term 2! I sincerely hope that the term has been positive for your families.

Supporting Children’s Wellbeing on the School Holidays

School holidays can be such a relief for students, but a source of stress for families. It’s a mixed bag of emotions when the thought of having a break from lunch boxes is sometimes overridden by the worry of what the lack of routine will do to your child’s mood and behaviour. The reality is, holidays can quickly become a juggling act of boredom, big emotions and shifting routines.

So, how can you support your child’s (and YOUR) mental health and wellbeing on the school holidays?

Provide a loose family rhythm for the day

A loose daily rhythm helps reduce meltdowns, boredom, and constant questioning because children thrive on routines. It is also key to supporting transition at the end of the school holidays.

Try dividing the day into broad blocks:

Morning: an outing or activity
Midday: lunch + quiet time
Afternoon: free play
Evening: family games or movie night, wind-down routine

Predictable patterns create a sense of safety for kids.

Build an “Activity List”

Work with your children to come up with a list of things to do when they are bored. They can refer to the list of activities when they are at a loose end. If a child says, “they’re bored!”, referring them to the list empowers them to solve their own problems.

Protect Quiet Time for Everyone

Kids need chances to reset, and so do adults. Try implementing:

30–60 minutes of quiet play
separate spaces for siblings
a “calm corner” with cushions, books, sensory toys
Quiet time playlists

Use Television and Digital Games Mindfully, Not Fearfully

Screens can give overstimulated brains a predictable break especially for kids who struggle with self-regulation. Using the screen thoughtfully can provide good down time for all family members. Consider:

clear limits
transitions with warnings
screen breaks that don’t feel like punishment
content that matches your child’s tolerance
Balance with physical activity, outdoor time and movement breaks

Good Enough Is More Than Enough

It’s normal for school holidays to be fun, exciting, but also slow and boring at times. Whatever your school holidays look like, it’s OK. Don’t compare yours to the holidays of others.

Kids don’t remember perfectly planned itineraries. They remember feeling safe, laughing and enjoying time with family and friends- regardless of the plans in place. Inviting a family over for a cuppa, or a play at the park may be just the thing your child needs to fill their cup.

Go gently. Create structure. Expect chaos. And remember, you’re doing great!