Managing well during school holidays
For many, the school holidays are the perfect time for mixing things up and having more time together. They can also be a challenging juggle of changing routines for everyone.
Whatever your school holidays look and feel like, we wanted to share some useful tips to managing them. Whether you’ve experienced a Family Group Conference to help plan how to move forward from a challenging situation, or you are simply unsure how the holidays will play out - this is the post for you.
Consider what additional practical, emotional, or safety support you or someone close to you might need over this period - what temporary support plans can you make?
Already have support plans in place? Speak to those you normally support, or those who support you, to plan for any changes - and make sure your support plans are robust.
Find ways to keep your usual eating, sleeping, and movement routines where they ordinarily help you.
Try to avoid the habits or routines that ordinarily don't help you - reach out to others for help if you need to.
Check in with those around you - drop a text, give them a call, or have a visit. School holidays can often change how connected we feel to those around us. Be proactive and reach out.
Remember that what people share on social media isn't reality - life isn't filtered and people often choose not to show the challenging or more mundane parts of their day. Its okay to have a school holiday where nothing overly ‘big’ or ‘adventurous’ happens. The small adventures of everyday life are just as meaningful and memorable.
Reach out to services if you need them; know that the health service and charities are available - follow on social media so you can know of any changes that they might have to timings, or additional activities that you can get involved in. You can explore services on our signpost hub.
Reflect. Take time at the end of the holidays (or in the middle!) to see how things are going for you and your family. Does something need to change next time to make things more manageable and enjoyable?
If you are looking for something to occupy children and young people this school holiday - download our free Spring-themed printable puzzle sheet!