School holidays can feel like a welcome break for your children but letting go of their usual routine can also leave them feeling unsettled, leading sometimes to changes in their emotions and behaviour.
We spoke with Claire Heap, Team Manager for our North-West Cumbria Mental Health Support Team, who explains why a healthy routine is important for kids during the summer and how parents can help their children stick to one.
Why is keeping a routine important for children and young people during summer?
“Making sure that your kids are able to have balanced days of activities, mealtimes, and quiet time gives you and them the chance to enjoy a healthy mix of rest and having fun!
“Keeping some structure over the school holidays can also help the return to school in September run smoothly.”
What does a healthy routine look like and how can parents help their kids stick to one?
“We know that predictable routines help children feel safe and calm. Beginning and ending the day with regular wake up and bedtimes supports healthy sleep patterns which are linked to better mood and behaviour.
“Setting mealtimes helps break the day up and gives your family some planned time to come together, while allowing you and your kids some independent time throughout the day too.
“Make sure to encourage some daily physical activity and time outdoors too! Being outside improves physical health, boosts creativity and imagination, reduces stress and anxiety, and increases happiness and relaxation.”
Being outside improves physical health, boosts creativity and imagination, reduces stress and anxiety, and increases happiness and relaxation.
Claire Heap
Team Manager, North-West Cumbria Mental Health Support Team
“Don’t forget to build in some time for quiet rest as well – encourage your kids to pick up activities like reading, colouring, Play-Doh, or bracelet making.
“You can help your children stick to a routine by involving them in the planning – have a go at making a visual sticker chart for the activities you want to encourage and offer lots of praise to your children for sticking to their routine.
“While keeping a healthy summer routine is a good thing, make sure you keep them flexible enough to allow for the occasional spontaneous trip, activity or special treat!”
Everyone deserves to have a good summer
Summer should be when memories are made. But let’s be real—it doesn’t look the same for everyone. That’s why this summer we’re helping families living in poverty in little ways like stocking the fridge, and in big, exciting ways like days out to the beach and trips to the zoo.
“The support from Barnardo’s saved us for those few weeks… It really saved us.” - Ellie’s story
Ellie* is a single mum from Swindon who, along with her children, Daniel* (10) and Violet* (14), has received support from the Barnardo’s Swindon and Wiltshire Phoenix Project. This year, Ellie was able to buy food vouchers through our poverty fund to help her family cope with the cost-of-living.
Join the Barnardo’s community this summer
At Barnardo’s, we’re building a movement to change childhoods and change lives – but we can’t do that without your support. By signing up to stay in touch, you’ll stay updated on our latest news, events, campaigns, and opportunities to support our work across the UK.