How to Thrive (Not Just Survive) the School Holidays

Have you read the comments, heard the radio talk shows, or chatted with parents who say, “Thank God the school holidays are over”?

But how often do you hear, “The holidays were amazing... it was beautiful having time with my kids”?

I wonder... what would it take to be able to say that and really mean it?

Here’s your School Holidays Thriving Guide... not just a guide for surviving.

1) Acknowledge Yourself
How often do you take a moment to reflect on what you did enjoy with your kids?
Focusing on what you do well as a parent... what you contributed... what you appreciated... can shift your entire experience.
Try this:

• Share something you enjoyed with your kids each day with your partner or a friend

• Keep a daily acknowledgment journal

• Share your weekly highlight in the Raising Happy Humans Facebook group
  THINK: I rock...

2) Acceptance
Acceptance doesn’t mean liking everything. It means acknowledging reality without resistance.
If the house is messier, or your alone time has vanished, frustration might rise. But when you accept both the situation and your emotions, you create space for choice.
Can you accept that:

• Kids need breaks from routine?

• You’ll hear more sibling squabbles?

• There’s less "me time" and more demands?
  THINK: Water off a duck’s back...

3) Manage Expectations
Expectations can be a hidden source of stress.
If you’re hoping for a perfectly structured day or productive work hours, unmet expectations can leave you snapping.
Try this:

• Cooperate when your child wants connection... they’ll often cooperate when you need space

• Expect both joyful and challenging moments

• Anticipate shorter chunks of work time and adjust your schedule accordingly
  THINK: What’s the real goal here...?

4) Be Flexible
Can you hold both structure and spontaneity?
What if school terms were for routine, and holidays were for flow?
The more flexibility you bring to your thinking, the more you can enjoy what’s actually happening.
THINK: Olympic gymnast...

5) Build a Solid Foundation
How you interact with your child becomes their internal blueprint for future relationships.
Being present, valuing your time together, and allowing them to feel worthy of your attention... even in the chaos... builds deep emotional foundations.
THINK: Quality, not quantity...

6) Foster Independence
Let them do more for themselves. It may take some guidance at first, but it will free up your mind and time... and build their confidence.
Ideas to try:

• Keep snacks and water accessible so they can serve themselves

• Invite them to clear the table or tidy up after meals
  THINK: Little big people...

7) See the Opportunity
What do you love that you’d like to pass on?
The holidays can be a playground for life skills and silly moments alike. Pillow fights, cooking, beach walks, building forts, teaching relaxation... it’s all learning.
THINK: Hang loose...

8) Come Back to Now
“I’m grateful for this moment with my kids.”
When you focus on the now, you connect.
If your thoughts jump to how fast they’re growing up or how little time you have, you miss what’s right in front of you.
THINK: The power of now...

Life with kids is full, and often noisy... but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Maybe next holidays, you won’t just survive. You’ll thrive.

“If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.” – Henry Ford

So...
Can you choose to thrive these school holidays?
Will you choose to thrive?

Want to feel more connected and less overwhelmed during school holidays (and beyond)?
Inside the Stressed to Best Parent Method, I help you understand your child’s needs, shift your mindset, and bring more calm, clarity, and joy into your parenting.
Book a free clarity call and let’s make the next holiday a time of true connection.