3 Tips for Stress-Free School Vacations: How to Keep Kids Engaged Without Exhausting Yourself

With the school year wrapping up and vacation just around the corner, it’s a busy time for many of us. The pressure to plan activities, keep our kids entertained, and even gear up for the next school year can be overwhelming. Today, we’re diving into a topic that many parents can relate to: how to cope with school vacations without feeling exhausted. 

Regardless of when you’re reading this – even if it’s not school vacation time, these tips will also help any time there are vacations or even for weekends.

I’ll be sharing three tips to help you keep your kids engaged and productive while maintaining your own well-being.

Tip 1: Slow down and enjoy.

I know this sounds counter-intuitive, especially since I said “keep kids engaged and productive.”  But hear this out – it’s actually backed by research! Many parents feel it’s impossible to slow down, and if they do so, it feels like they will drop the ball as parents or that they’re not on top of things. There’s often the immense pressure to fill a child’s time with stimulating learning activities. If you feel this way, this doesn’t make you a bad parent. 

Let’s release you from this guilt and pressure right here. It’s not about the meticulously planned days or the educational outings every week. It’s about being there, truly there, with your child. It’s in the messy, unplanned moments of life that our children learn resilience, empathy, and independence. Let’s release ourselves from the guilt and shift our focus from performing for our children to simply being with them. Give yourself permission to slow down, instead of rushing from one activity to the next, because it’s only when we slow down can we be truly present.

So, how do we put this into practice during such a busy time? Through gentle invitations. Invite your child into your world and be open to stepping into theirs. Whether it’s cooking a simple meal together, enjoying a story, or just sitting in the backyard, these are the moments where true connections are forged. These aren’t tasks on a to-do list; they’re opportunities for mutual growth and presence.

As we transition from the school year to vacation, let’s remind ourselves to slow down. The pressure to keep our kids constantly engaged and productive can lead to burnout for both them and us. It’s okay to have days with no plans, to just enjoy each other’s company, and to let the days unfold naturally. Sometimes, the best memories are made when we least expect them.

Tip 2: Manage expectations.

Set realistic expectations for yourself and your children during school vacations. Focus on creating meaningful experiences rather than trying to plan every minute of the day.

Social media can create unrealistic expectations about what parents need to do for their kids. 

Tip 3: Involve kids in creating memories.

“Core memories” can be the simplest moments. You’ll be surprised at how if you let them, even young kids have so many creative ideas for fun activities. Of course, some of their ideas – like taking apart every piece of furniture in your home – are not so brilliant – but if you sit back and observe them, I’ll bet you’ll be amazed at what your kids come up with.

Of course, if there are activities that work for your budget and are accessible to you – maybe park picnics, DIY craft projects at home, or camps organized by your child’s school or local community, these are great!

Conclusion

School vacations can be a wonderful time to bond with your children and create lasting memories. By following these three tips, you can keep your kids engaged and happy while maintaining your own well-being. Remember, you are the best parent for your child, and it’s okay to take care of yourself along the way.