Let’s be honest for a second:
The school summer holidays are a beautiful mix of joy, chaos, exhaustion, and snack wrappers.
Yes, it’s a time for connection, memory-making, and slowing down, but it’s also a time when routines fly out the window, personal space becomes a myth, and “Muuum/Daaad, I’m bored!” becomes the new soundtrack of your life.
So, if you’re feeling a little stretched, a little disoriented, or a little guilty for not enjoying every second—this blog is for you.
Here are a few gentle reminders to help you cope, breathe, and maybe even thrive through the summer holiday season.
You don’t need to entertain them 24/7.
You are a parent, not a cruise director.
Boredom is not a failure, it’s a gift. It’s where imagination grows. Let them be bored. Let them figure it out. And let yourself off the hook.
If your kids are safe, fed, and mostly happy, you’re doing a grea tjob. You can also say, “Go and play,” without guilt. That’s not neglect, it’s healthy boundaries (and a sanity-saving strategy).
Lower the bar – like much lower!
If you had grand summer plans, Pinterest crafts, home-baked snacks, chore charts, educational outings and they’ve all unravelled by week two, welcome to the club.
It’s okay if some days are just about surviving.
It’s okay if screen time goes up.
It’s okay if cereal becomes a meal more than once.
This is a period of weeks, not a permanent measure of your parenting. Be kind to yourself. Grace over guilt, always.
Routines can still exist, even loosely.
Kids need some structure and so do you.
It doesn’t have to be rigid. Try a simple rhythm:
- Mornings = get dressed, breakfast, one activity
- Afternoons = rest/quiet time
- Evenings = outdoor time, bath, books
Even just one daily anchor (like a walk or a 15-minute quiet time) can help bring calm into the chaos. You can build routine without being a drill sergeant.
Mess is not a moral failing!
Repeat after me: A messy house is a sign of life.
Summer holidays mean more time at home, more creative projects (read: glitter explosions), and more chaos. You are not behind, you are living.
Pick one space to keep somewhat clean (your sanity spot). Let the rest be what it is for now. You’re not failing, you’re adjusting.
You still matter.
Yes, you’re a parent, but you’re also a person. You’re allowed to need space. You’re allowed to take a break. You’re allowed to feel hugged out, talked out, or just plain tired.
Take 10 minutes for yourself each day. Lock yourself in the bathroom if needed. Put on a podcast, sip a coffee slowly, scroll guilt-free, breathe. Protect your nervous system like you would protect your kids at a busy street crossing.
Your peace is worth prioritising.
Final reminder……..
You’re Doing Better Than You Think
Summer holidays aren’t about perfection. They’re about presence and even that comes in waves.
If the days are long and your patience feels short, know this: You’re not alone. You’re showing up. You’re loving. You’re learning. And that’s enough.
You’ve got this (and when you don’t, you’ve still got timeouts, snacks, and screen time).
