Even though we cherish those long school holidays, sometimes as parents we secretly count down the days until routines return.
Holidays can be magical, but the reality is they’re not always a break for us adults.
The pressure to keep kids happy, stimulated, and not glued to screens can feel like a full-time job, one that comes without sick leave.
But here’s the good news: it’s possible to keep kids engaged, curious and thriving without over-scheduling every moment or burning yourself out. And you don’t need a massive budget, Pinterest-worthy crafts, or a live-in nanny to make it work.
Here’s your guide to surviving (and even enjoying) the school holidays sanity intact.
1. Start with self-care, it’s not selfish, it’s survival
No one can pour from an empty cup. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) reminds us that parental stress has a ripple effect on children’s well-being.
Even just 15 minutes daily sipping tea, walking, reading, or simply breathing can help you recharge. Make it non-negotiable. You’ll show up as a calmer, more present parent.
2. Loosen, don’t lose, the routine
Holidays beg for some flexibility, but kids (and adults!) still crave predictability. Children thrive with a sense of structure, says developmental psychologists.
Set gentle rhythms: breakfast together, a daily outdoor break, quiet time after lunch. This loose structure helps everyone know what to expect and keeps meltdowns at bay.
3. The village is real: Playdates and kid-swaps
You don’t have to do it alone! Team up with other parents for playdates or kid swaps. Host a friend one afternoon and return the favour another day.
The kids get social time, and you get a precious break. Rope in grandparents, cousins, or trusted neighbours to keep the holiday spirit alive and your load lighter.
4. Productive play: Life skills disguised as fun
Turn chores into games: laundry sorting races, DIY pizza-making, or “who can tidy the fastest?” Research from the Journal of Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrics shows that children involved in household tasks develop better executive function and independence.
Plus, there’s nothing like the pride of making “grown-up” contributions.
5. Daily quiet time – Every parent’s holiday hack?
Enforced quiet time. Set aside an hour daily for independent play, reading, puzzles, drawing, or audiobooks. Even older kids benefit from downtime to decompress and reset. It’s a chance for you to catch your breath, too.
6. Screen time: Guilt-free, but strategic
Let’s get real: screens are part of modern parenting. The key is mindful use. The South African Journal of Child Health notes that not all screen time is created equal.
Curate high-quality content, set clear limits, and discuss what they’re watching. Educational shows, creative apps, and documentaries can spark new interests without turning into a zombie marathon.
7. Hire help without guilt – Sometimes, you just need backup.
Services like SweepSouth’s Mom’s Helper offer vetted childcare for a few hours, giving you time to work or rest.
Lourandi Kriel, CEO of SweepSouth, notes: “Having someone handle the practicalities helps free up your mental space.”
It’s not about being less of a parent; it’s about being a more present one when you are together.
8. Create shared memories, not just activities
The heart of the holidays is connection. Find out what your child truly loves: baking, Lego, reading or science experiments. Join in, even if just for 20 minutes.
Research by Harvard’s Centre on the Developing Child highlights that shared activities deepen bonds and boost kids’ emotional health. Don’t underestimate the power of undistracted, playful attention.
Quick inspo: Low-cost ideas for SA families:
- Raid the library for new books and audiobooks.
- Collect art supplies and let kids create “gifts for Granny.”
- Try a themed day: build a cardboard city, host a backyard sports day, or invent your own board game.
- Teach them a family recipe or share stories about your childhood holidays. Let them teach you something new.
9. Set boundaries and stick to them
Holidays can blur lines. Set clear guidelines: holiday bedtime, screen limits, and quiet time. Kids feel safer with boundaries, and you’ll thank yourself when term starts again. School holidays don’t have to be a marathon of activities or a battleground of boredom-busting.
Sometimes, the best memories are made in unplanned moments, building a fort, dancing in the lounge, or just being together.
Permit yourself to drop the “perfect parent” act. You’re doing enough.
