It's okay to be relieved that half term is over

School holidays can be HARD. So if you're entering this week feeling like it's hardly been a holiday, then you're not alone!

It’s easy to feel like everyone else is breezing through the days, expertly juggling amazing trips out and keeping their home immaculate, all whilst their children behave perfectly. Social media can paint a very pretty picture and it’s almost impossible not to compare yourself to other people.

The reality for so many families is that even whilst breaks from school and nursery give parents more time with their children, they can create situations that feel chaotic, tiring and emotionally challenging.

Parents often feel guilt for things not being ‘perfect’ during the holidays, but the reality is that there are so many reasons why things might feel especially difficult during these times, which are completely out of our control.

Routine

Children often struggle when their usual routine is disrupted and the rhythm of their days changes. Late nights, changes to mealtimes and new experiences create unpredictability for little ones and leave them feeling 'clingy' or more likely to test boundaries.

Parents can try:

• Preparing children for upcoming events by telling them what’s happening before it happens. e.g. “we can read one more book, and then it will be bath time”, or “after we have finished breakfast we are going to the park”

• Try to focus on keeping 1 or 2 things in routines the same, such as mealtimes or bedtime routines. Children don’t need strict schedules all the time, but do benefit from having familiar and predictable anchors during the day

Sibling Conflict

If siblings are spending more time together, this creates more chances for the natural rivalry and friction between them. Babies and toddlers can find it particularly difficult when older siblings are home from nursery or school, as this can feel new and unfamiliar to them. You might feel like you’re constantly refereeing and trying to keep everyone happy!

Parents can:

• Remind themselves that sibling conflict is normal and doesn’t equal a bad relationship between children. It’s part of learning boundaries

• Create physical space between siblings if tensions are creeping up! Offer different activities in different rooms if you think your children would benefit from some time alone

Public Meltdowns

Spending time out in public together, whether its on a day out that you envisioned going perfectly or a simple trip to the supermarket, can create moments of overstimulation for little ones. Meltdowns can make parents feel judged by others, when in reality they are unavoidable as children learn to regulate emotions and cope with new environments.

Parents can:

• Try preparing children before outings by explaining what will happen when there, and using simple language to communicate your expectations for their behaviour.

• Remember to connect rather than simply correct when meltdowns inevitably occur. Try staying close to your child and speaking slowly and calmly to help them regulate.

No matter how much good advice you follow about keeping calm and making school holidays work for the whole family, things are bound to go wrong. The most important thing is that we, as parents, remember that we are doing enough for our children.

They don't need a week full of exciting days out, flashy new toys to play with, or perfectly curated balanced meals. They just need our love and connection!