How to Survive the School Holidays

The school holidays are often filled with excitement, adventures, and precious family memories—but let’s be honest, they can also be exhausting.

Between entertaining the children, keeping the house from looking like a toy shop exploded, preparing endless snacks, and trying to juggle everyday responsibilities, it’s easy for parents to feel overwhelmed.

The good news? You don’t need to create magical days every single day. Here are some realistic tips to help you survive (and even enjoy!) the school holidays.

1. Lower the Pressure

Social media can make it seem like every family is heading to theme parks, expensive attractions, or perfect picnics every day.

The reality?

Children don’t need constant entertainment. Some of their happiest memories come from baking cakes, building dens, playing in the garden, or watching a movie together.

Remember: you’re creating childhood, not a social media highlight reel.

2. Keep a Loose Routine

While it’s lovely to enjoy slower mornings, children often thrive with a little structure.

Try keeping regular times for:

Breakfast
Lunch
Outdoor play
Quiet time
Bedtime

A simple routine can reduce boredom, minimise arguments, and help everyone know what to expect.

3. Create a “Boredom Buster” Jar

Write lots of simple activity ideas onto pieces of paper and pop them into a jar.

Ideas could include:

Go to the park
Have a dance party
Bake cakes
Paint a picture
Build a fort
Read a story
Nature scavenger hunt
Ride scooters
Water play
Make homemade pizza

Whenever someone says, “I’m bored,” let them choose an activity from the jar.

4. Say Yes to Free Adventures

You don’t have to spend lots of money to make memories.

Some fantastic free days out include:

Parks
Woodland walks
Beaches
Local libraries
Nature reserves
Splash parks
Community events
Museum free-entry days

Fresh air often works wonders for everyone’s mood.

5. Prepare for Rainy Days

British weather is famously unpredictable!

Keep an “emergency activity box” ready with things like:

Colouring books
Craft supplies
Board games
LEGO
Puzzles
Stickers
Playdough

When the rain starts, you’ll already have something fun waiting.

6. Don’t Feel Guilty About Screen Time

Sometimes you simply need twenty minutes to drink a hot cup of tea, tidy the kitchen, or answer an important email. A family film, educational programme, or favourite cartoon can provide a much-needed break. Balance is what matters—not perfection.

7. Get the Kids Involved

Children love helping when it’s made fun.

Ask them to:

Make sandwiches
Water the plants
Set the table
Pack the picnic
Sort the washing
Feed pets
Help choose activities

It builds confidence while giving you an extra pair of hands.

8. Make Time for Yourself

Looking after children all day is hard work. Even ten minutes can make a difference. Enjoy a coffee in the garden, read a chapter of a book, listen to your favourite music, or simply sit quietly while the children play.

You deserve breaks too.

9. Expect the Unexpected

Plans change. The weather changes. Children change their minds! Try to stay flexible and remember that some of the best family memories happen when things don’t go to plan.

10. Focus on Connection, Not Perfection

Years from now, your children probably won’t remember whether every activity went perfectly.

They’ll remember:

Laughing together
Cuddles on the sofa
Ice cream in the sunshine
Building dens
Playing games
Reading bedtime stories
Feeling loved

Those everyday moments matter far more than expensive outings.

The school holidays don’t have to be packed with expensive adventures or perfectly planned activities.

Some days will be messy.

Some days will be loud.

Some days you’ll count down the hours until bedtime—and that’s completely normal!

Give yourself grace, embrace the chaos where you can, and remember that your children don’t need a perfect parent. They simply need a present one.

Here’s to a summer filled with laughter, little adventures, and memories your family will treasure for years to come.

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