School holidays are coming. Here's how families can keep some sort of routine

School holidays present an opportunity for families to create a routine that provides predictability without turning the break into a structured schedule. Routines help children understand what to expect throughout the day, which can support their emotional and behavioral development. However, the flexibility required during holidays means that families should balance consistency with adaptability.

Creating a routine during school breaks can be challenging, as family members' schedules shift and holiday planning may lead to disagreements among adults. To build a routine that works, families should plan and negotiate in advance, especially when extended family or multiple households are involved. Involving older children in the planning process can help them understand the reasoning behind decisions and develop their own planning skills.

Maintaining familiar anchors, such as family movie time or weekly visits to grandparents, can provide children with a sense of normalcy and help them transition to the holiday routine smoothly. While it's important to keep some activities consistent, such as mealtimes and wake-up times, there should also be room for spontaneous activities and flexibility to accommodate the needs of all family members, including parents and carers.

For families with shift-working parents, shared custody arrangements, or children moving between households, identical routines may not be feasible. In these cases, focusing on creating predictability during the time children are with you and communicating with other caregivers can help maintain a sense of structure. Seeking support from evidence-based parenting programs can provide parents with confidence and strategies for managing the challenges of school holidays.

Ultimately, the goal is not to recreate school at home but to provide enough predictability for children to feel secure while allowing for flexibility to ensure a enjoyable holiday experience for the entire family.