Wellbeing & Inclusion
at Willy
Encouraging the Wellbeing of our Willy Kids Over the Summer Holidays
While many children look forward to a break from school, some children find this unstructured time unsettling. It can feel as though they have been taken away from their usual routines and may not see friends as often as they would like to. This can leave children feeling upset and sometimes anxious. It is important for these children to remain on a schedule during the holidays including a regular bedtime routine, a regular wake up time and some structure during the days. A weekly plan may help too, which can be created with your child. Below are some ways you can help your child to care for their mental health during this time.
Safety/Self-Care Plan
It is a fantastic idea to help your child create a safety or self-care plan for their holiday break. This will include activities they can do when they are feeling down, support they can access during this time away from school and people they can call on bad days. These plans help your child to take responsibility for their wellbeing and encourage help-seeking behaviour.
Keep a Routine
Whether you create a self-care plan or not, it is important that your child keeps a regular routine throughout the holidays, even if it is altered from their usual one. Help them to think through what their holiday bedtime and wake time will be. It is also a great idea for them to choose something to do each morning (i.e. a self-affirmation) to start their day well and something to do each night (i.e. read for 15 minutes) to end their day well. These small rituals and routines spark positive neural pathways in the brain and release chemicals that make us feel relaxed.
Have Fun
Encourage your child to make time for rest, hobbies, social activities and family time. Having a well-rounded schedule will give them the best chance of regulating their emotions well.
Social Media Breaks
Try to enforce tech boundaries that will protect your child from comparison fatigue, unnecessary social pressure and tech addiction that negatively impacts brain structure, mood and sleep. Not an easy feat, but a worthwhile one!
Check In Regularly
If you still feel concerned about your child’s mental health, we encourage you to continue with any psychology sessions they may already be having, or to book in regular appointments with your family GP throughout the holidays. Providing frequent opportunities for your child to accept help will let them know that they are loved and cared for, even if that is not the story their brain is telling them.
Please follow the links to some articles regarding wellbeing during holiday periods:
Mental Health Supports Over the School Holidays
The Wellbeing Team wishes you a safe, relaxing and enjoyable holiday. We cannot wait to see our returning Willy Kids refreshed, glowing and excitedly anticipating the 2025 school year.
Kind regards,
Lisa Leydin Anna Swan
Assistant Principal Learning Specialist
Disability, Inclusion & Wellbeing Mental Health & Wellbeing Leader (Wed–Fri)