School holidays: keeping things calm when routines change

School holidays can be a fun and special time for families across Canberra and the Canberra region, but changes to routine can also feel big for children. Different days, more time at home, extra activities, later nights or more screen time can all affect how children feel and behave. 

Keeping a few familiar routines in place can help children feel safe, settled and more able to enjoy the break. 

 

Keep key routines familiar 

Try to keep the main parts of the day the same or similar where you can. This might include mealtimes, nap times, rest times and the bedtime routine. 

Bedtime can be especially important. A familiar bedtime routine helps children wind down and know what to expect, even when the day has been different. 

It can also help to keep some boundaries around screen time, especially if you have screen time limits during the school term. Keeping this consistent can make the transition back to school, preschool or childcare much easier. 

 

Plan a few simple activities 

You do not need to fill every day with big outings or expensive activities. Planning a few simple activities across the holidays can give children something to look forward to and help the days feel more manageable. 

Free or low-cost ideas include: 

• visiting a local park, a walk around Lake Burley Griffin or visit the National Arboretum Canberra   

• going to the library 

• attending a playgroup for younger children 

• visiting one of Canberra’s free tourist attractions 

• doing craft or drawing at home 

• meeting another family for a play 

• going for a walk or bike ride 

• reading books together. 

A simple plan can also help parents and carers feel more prepared. 

You can find more budget friendly activities to keep children busy on the ACT Government’s Our CBR website.  

 

Balance busy days with quiet time 

Big days out can be exciting, but they can also be tiring. After a busy day, try to plan a quieter day or afternoon so children have time to rest and reset. 

Low-energy activities can be a great option, such as: 

• reading together 

• puzzles 

• drawing or colouring 

• quiet play 

• building with blocks 

• listening to music or an audiobook 

This can help children regulate after lots of noise, people or activity. 

 

Let children know what to expect 

Children often cope better with change when they know what is coming next. Try to tell them what will happen across the day, especially before moving from one activity to another. 

For example: 

“After lunch, we will pack up and go to the library.” 

“In five minutes, we are going to leave the park.” 

“After this episode, the TV is going off and we will get ready for dinner.” 

Small warnings can make transitions feel less sudden and help reduce meltdowns. 

 

Do less on hard days 

Some days will be harder than others. Children may be tired, overwhelmed or unsettled. Parents and carers can feel this too. 

On those days, it is okay to do less. Focus on staying calm, meeting everyone’s basic needs and getting through the day. 

A quiet day at home, simple meals, extra cuddles and fewer expectations can sometimes be exactly what children need. 

 

A calm holiday does not need to be a busy holiday 

School holidays do not need to be packed with activities to be meaningful. Children benefit from connection, rest, play and predictable routines. 

A few simple plans, familiar daily rhythms and quiet moments can help make the holidays feel calmer for everyone.