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).

The post Gentle Reminders to Cope with the School Summer Holidays. appeared first on KATE TILSTON - PRACTICAL LIFE COACH.

This can come in several formats –

First, we have the classic “Oh my god, it’s only X number of weeks until we go away – what if I haven’t got on top of all my work? Created the perfect summer garden? Totally cleaned the house? Found the perfect summer wardrobe? Visited all the friends I promised to this summer? Lost weight? Toned up? Had pedicures/manicures/self-tanning?” And so the list goes on

Is it worth it?

You know the answer to that, no it’s not! Why then do we put unrealistic markers in the sand for ourselves (no pun intended?) Yes, it’s a great feeling to have your house in order before you go away but it’s not essential.

As for the perfect beach body – they don’t exist and anyway, do you really have the time or the energy to be stressing about that?

You know the drill –

1. Make a list of the essentials that need doing before you go away and keep it realistic.
2. If it helps, make a post-holiday list of the things that you’re worried about forgetting and then park it until you return.
3. Focus on the moment. Appreciate that you are getting away, creating memories and having a break from the norm.

The second type of holiday anxiety is the parental dread of weeks on end of filling time!

I have covered this in several other blogs (link to them here?) but here are a few quick reminders:

1. Just because people appear to be ticking every parenting box as far as summer holidays go on social media, it doesn’t mean it’s true. AVOID, AVOID, AVOID!
2. Some days they just need to be bored. Learning how to cope with boredom is a life skill and if you fill every waking hour with an activity, how will they ever learn to cope?
3. Where you can, plan in advance. The summer holidays come around every year at the same time for the same length of time. What worked previously? What do you need to avoid? Start planning what you can now to lessen the anxiety later.

A side note……

We spend a lot of time looking forward to summer, I suspect more so after this particularly long winter so make the most of the longer days and some sunshine when it appears. Manage your expectations. Living in the moment more, focusing on what is right in front of you and stressing less about the ‘should haves’, ‘could haves’ and ‘what if’s’ will make it a far more pleasurable time.

The post Beat the summer holiday stress with these anti-anxiety tips. appeared first on KATE TILSTON - PRACTICAL LIFE COACH.