It’s only about 2 weeks till Summer holidays start, I know my daughter is counting down the days! And for many children, the school holidays are a time of excitement, freedom and adventure. The pressure of homework disappears, alarm clocks are switched off, and days can feel wonderfully open and full of possibility.
Yet while holidays bring many benefits, they can also create challenges. The routines that help children feel secure suddenly change, friendships may become less frequent, sleep patterns can drift, and the structure that naturally supports emotional wellbeing can disappear. For some children, particularly sensitive, anxious or neurodivergent children, this can leave them feeling unsettled without fully understanding why.
As parents, it can be helpful to remember that children thrive on a balance of freedom and predictability. They don’t necessarily need a rigid timetable, but they do benefit from knowing that some things remain consistent, even when school is out.
Simple daily anchors can make a significant difference. Regular wake-up times, shared mealtimes, time outdoors, and predictable bedtime routines all help regulate a child’s nervous system. These familiar touchpoints act like gentle signposts throughout the day, helping children feel safe and connected.
Nature can be particularly grounding during the holidays. Whether it’s a walk in the woods, a trip to the beach, tending to plants in the garden, or simply lying on the grass watching clouds drift by, spending time outdoors encourages children to slow down and reconnect with the present moment. Nature offers a natural antidote to the overstimulation that can come from busy schedules, screens and constant activity.
Breathing exercises can also be a valuable tool. Children often don’t have the language to explain their emotions, but they can learn simple ways to calm their bodies. Taking slow breaths, pretending to smell a flower and blow out a candle, or placing a hand on their tummy and noticing it rise and fall can help them feel more settled and in control. Click this link to find some of my free tracks on InsightTimer)
Another powerful way to support emotional wellbeing is through imagination and creativity. Drawing, storytelling, building dens, crafting, and imaginative play all allow children to process experiences and express emotions in a safe and natural way. When children engage their imagination, they often reveal far more about their inner world than they can through conversation alone.
It’s also important to remember that children don’t need every moment filled with activities. Boredom can feel uncomfortable initially, but it often creates space for creativity, problem-solving and independence to emerge. Sometimes the most valuable moments of the holidays happen when children are given the freedom to simply be.
If your child struggles with worries, big emotions or feeling overwhelmed, gentle mindfulness activities, calming stories and relaxation exercises can provide additional support. Resources such as those available through The Calm Compass Club are designed to help children develop emotional resilience, confidence and self-regulation through creative and enjoyable activities that fit naturally into family life.
Above all, the school holidays are an opportunity to reconnect. Children may not remember every day trip or activity, but they often remember how they felt. Feeling heard, safe, accepted and connected to the important adults in their lives provides a foundation that lasts long after the holidays have ended.
Sometimes keeping children grounded isn’t about doing more. It’s about slowing down, creating moments of connection, and helping them find calm amongst the excitement of summer.
Good luck all and have a super summer to remember!
Viv