10 Tips for Surviving the School Holidays
School holidays can be both a blessing and a challenge for parents and children alike. Taking a break from school can be refreshing.
However, it can also lead to boredom, arguments, and stress. This is especially true for a child with disabilities. However, with a bit of planning and creativity, you can turn these holidays into a fun and memorable time for the whole family.
Here are 10 tips to help you survive and thrive during the school holidays.
- Create a schedule: While the allure of lazy days might be tempting, having a loose schedule can provide structure and prevent the unnecessary chaos that might occur during the process. Set aside times for activities, outings, chores, and relaxation. This helps in balancing productivity with leisure time.
- Plan outdoor activities: Take advantage of the weather by planning outdoor activities like picnics, nature walks, bike rides, or visits to the beaches or local parks. Fresh air and physical activity are very essential for maintaining everyone’s well being. You can also get the assistance of our support staff and our day programs.
- Encourage Creativity: Foster your child’s creativity by providing them with materials for arts and crafts, DIY projects, or cooking and baking sessions. Encourage them to express themselves through various mediums, which not only keeps them engaged but also enhances their skills.
- Explore Learning Opportunities: Keep the learning momentum going outside of the classroom by visiting museums, science centers, zoos, or historical sites. Many places offer educational programs and workshops tailored for children during the holidays.
- Set screen time limits: While the screen can be one of the most convenient ways to keep the child occupied, excessive use of it can have a number of negative effects. Limit screen time and suggest reading, playing board games, or using imagination for fun instead.
- Get involved in community events: Check local community calendars for events like fairs, festivals, or concerts happening during the holidays. Taking part in events like these not only entertains, but also helps build a strong sense of community spirit.
- Plan the family bonding time: Use the holidays as an opportunity to strengthen the family bonds by planning special outings or activities that everyone can enjoy together in each other’s company. Whether it is a movie night, a game night, or a weekend getaway, prioritize spending quality time as a family.
- Encourage independence: Allow your children to take on more responsibility and independence during the holidays. This could include tasks like cooking simple meals, doing chores, or planning their own outings with friends (with supervision, depending on their age).
- Practice self care: During the holidays, remember to take care of yourself and your kids. It’s important to prioritize self-care. Encourage relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga or mindfulness activities to help reduce stress while promoting self care.
- Be flexible and have fun: Lastly, the most important thing is to remember that the holidays are a time to relax and have fun. Be flexible with all of your plans while also promoting spontaneity. Sometimes the best memories are made with what you least expect.
With a little planning and creativity, the school holidays can be a time of joy, growth, and bonding for families.
By following these tips, you can navigate the challenges and make the most of this special time with your loved ones. So, embrace the break from routine, explore new adventures, and create lasting memories together.
Happy holidays!
