Family Wellbeing

Supporting Your Child Through the Term Break

The school holidays are an exciting time, but they can also be tricky for kids! While they're thrilled about the break, the disruption to their usual routine can lead to big emotions - think meltdowns, restlessness or those unexpected outbursts when they seem to have so much built-up energy.

Why does this happen?

Children thrive on predictability. When their familiar school routine disappears, even happy changes can feel overwhelming. That excitement mixed with uncertainty about what each day will bring can bubble over into challenging behaviour.

Here's how you can help:

Create a visual holiday plan together: Sit down with your child and map out the holidays using a calendar, whiteboard or even a piece of paper. Use stickers, drawings or photos to represent different activities - beach days, movie nights, visiting family, or even "pyjama days" at home. This gives them a sense of structure and something to look forward to.

Here’s an example:

Source: New Directions Pyschology

Involve them in the planning: Ask your child what they'd like to do these holidays and create a list together. It doesn't have to be elaborate - simple things like baking biscuits, riding bikes or reading time counts! When kids have input, they feel more in control and less anxious about the unknown.

Keep some routine: You don't need to stick to a rigid schedule, but try to keep some consistency with mealtimes, bedtimes and quiet time. This helps children feel secure even when everything else has changed.

Ease back into Term 1: In the last week of holidays, start gently reintroducing school routines - earlier bedtimes, talking about school, and helping them prepare for the new grade. This makes the transition back in 2026 much smoother for everyone.

The holidays are meant to be enjoyed! A little bit of structure can help your child feel safe and settled, so you can all make the most of this special time together.

Wishing all OPS families a wonderful, restful break!

Ashu - School Counsellor