Parent Wellbeing

Surviving the School Holidays: Tips for Parents

As the school holidays approach, let’s talk about the reality—while it’s great to have a break from the morning rush, it can also come with a fair share of challenges. Between keeping the kids entertained and managing the budget, it can feel a bit like juggling a dozen different things at once. But don’t worry, we’ve got some tips to help make these holidays a little more fun and a lot less stressful!

Managing Holiday Spending

Set a Realistic Budget:Before the holidays kick off, take a moment to plan out your spending. Whether it's activities, outings, or treats, having a budget in place helps avoid the dreaded "where did all my money go?" moment when school starts again.

Focus on Experiences Over Expensive Activities: Not every holiday has to be filled with pricey trips or big purchases. Think about simple, fun experiences—get creative with DIY projects, have a family movie night, or explore local parks and free events in your community. These moments often turn into the best memories.

Look for Deals and Swap Ideas with Friends: There are always free or low-cost activities happening in the community. Check out your local council website, swap activity ideas with other parents, and get creative with DIY fun. If you’re planning a day out, keep an eye out for discounts and group deals.

Keeping Your Sanity While the Kids Are Home

Plan a Realistic Schedule: Holidays can quickly become a whirlwind of activities and commitments. Try to balance structured plans with downtime—kids (and parents!) need time to recharge too.

Share the Load: You don’t have to be the sole activity planner! If possible, share responsibilities with family, friends, or even organize playdates with other parents. Teamwork makes the holiday juggle easier.

Set Boundaries: It's okay to say no to extra commitments that feel overwhelming. Prioritise what works best for your family, and don’t feel pressured to do it all.

Embrace the Chaos: Let’s be real—perfection is overrated. If the house is messier, the routine is off, or the kids are bouncing off the walls, that’s okay. Some of the best memories come from the unexpected and imperfect moments.

Fun Family Activities for the School Holidays

Neighbourhood Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of things to find in your area (a red car, a funny-shaped cloud, a bird’s nest) and set off on an adventure.

At-Home Fitness Challenge: Turn the living room into a mini obstacle course, have a dance-off, or follow a fun online workout together.

Cooking Challenge: Let the kids help plan and prepare a meal—whether it’s a fun breakfast, homemade pizza, or a creative snack platter.

Nature Walk & Photography Fun: Head to a local park, take photos of interesting things you find, and create a mini holiday scrapbook.

Backyard Movie Night: Set up a cozy outdoor cinema with blankets, pillows, and a family-favourite movie under the stars.

Local Support for Parents Around Knox City Council

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone. Here are some local support services that can help:

Knox Community Health Service: Offering a range of health and support services, whether you need advice or just someone to talk to.
Knox Infolink: Your go-to resource for community services, parenting support, and local events.
Ask Izzy: A website that connects you to essential services, including housing, food support, and healthcare.

Remember, school holidays don’t have to be a stressful marathon. Focus on simple, fun moments, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Wishing you and your family a happy and stress-free break!