Holiday hacks: How to survive the school holidays

Depending on the age of your children – or rather their current phase – you may have mixed feelings about the winter school holidays and all that free time they have. Everyday life tends to be so busy, so rushed, that it’s nice to have some unstructured time but it can also be stressful to find ways to fill that time, especially if you have to work in between. To say nothing of the number of times you’re likely to hear the dreaded phrase “Mom, I’m bored”. 

Here are eight smart (sane!) wants to cope with the kids this school holiday that will ensure mom survives and the kids thrive. 

1. Start with your own self-care
   Nobody can pour from an empty cup, so be intentional about your own self-care. If school holidays are stressful for you, accept it as such and then put plans in place to manage it as best you can. Most importantly, make sure to take 15 to 30 minutes for yourself every day (do this, regardless of whether the kids are home or not) and do something – or nothing – that calms and recharges you. It could be reading a book, listening to a podcast, enjoying a cup of tea or taking a quick walk alone. It’s less about what you do and more about actually doing it.

2. Don’t dismiss the routine
   While holidays are for relaxation, there’s no need to throw out the baby with the bathwater when it comes to your routine. Keeping a loose structure in place works wonders in managing everyone’s expectations (and energy!). Establish a general flow for the day that includes dedicated times for meals, independent play, outdoor activities, and quiet time. Experts tell us that children thrive when they know what to expect, with a sense of predictability being an effective way of keeping everybody calm.

3. Playdates and “swaps”
   We know it takes a village to raise a child so do draw on that village to help you keep the kids occupied in the school holidays. Connect with other parents and arrange playdates where you take turns hosting, giving each other a few hours of free time. Consider “kid swaps” where you watch their children for a day, and they return the favour. This provides social interaction for the kids and much-needed breaks for parents. Extended family like grandparents and cousins can also be a lifeline in this regard.

4. Engage them in productive play
   All work and no play may have turned Jack into a dull boy. But Jack wasn’t a boy of this generation, where there’s been a decline in chore participation despite it being very goodfor children. Frame chores or everyday tasks as fun activities. Turn laundry into a sorting game, involve them in meal prep (age-appropriately, of course), or have a “tidy-up race.” This teaches valuable life skills while keeping them occupied and contributing to the household.

5. Quiet time
   No matter the age of the children, consider implementing a daily “quiet time” where they engage in independent, calm activities like reading, puzzles, drawing, or listening to audiobooks in their rooms or a designated area. This gives everyone a chance to recharge and teaches them the importance of alone time, all while encouraging them to explore calm activities that help with self regulation.

6. Strategic screen time is ok
   Everybody does it. Nobody wants to talk about it. While screen time should be neither a boredom buster nor a babysitter, it is ok to allow children screen time, some of the time. Not all screen time is equal. Curated educational apps, documentaries, or shows can be a lifesaver for a short period. Research options that align with your child’s age and interests, and set clear time limits to avoid overuse.

7. Outsource with a mom’s helper
   Sometimes you just need an extra set of hands or some uninterrupted time for yourself, and that’s ok. Consider the services of Mom’s Helper through Sweepsouth. This service offers supervised childcare you can trust, giving busy parents peace of mind. Whether you need an extra set of hands during playtime, mealtime or so that you can get some of your own work done, there’s a reliable and vetted SweepStar ready to support you. The benefits include knowing your children are in capable, supervised hands while you focus on work, errands, or simply take a much-needed break.

This service isn’t just a convenience, but a vital lifeline, offering a peace of mind for overwhelmed moms, says Lourandi Kriel, Sweepsouth CEO. “Moms often bear the invisible burden of planning, coordinating, and executing every aspect of family life. During holidays, this mental load skyrockets. Having someone handle the practicalities of childcare helps to free up mental space that was previously consumed by constant supervision. This isn’t about being less of a mom; it’s about being a more present and calm mom when you are with your children.”

And, points out Kriel, school holiday schedules are rarely linear. “One day you might need help with activities, the next for meal prep support, and another for a quiet afternoon while you have a crucial meeting. A Mom’s Helper offers this flexibility. Whether you need an extra set of hands during playtime, mealtime or so that you can get some of your own work done, the service adapts to your specific, evolving needs, offering support where and when you need it most.”

8. Get outside
   Many adults will attest to a time when, as children, their own parents said “just go play outside”! And there is every reason parents today should be doing the same thing more regularly. Getting kids outside, whether it’s to a park, a nature reserve, or even just the backyard, can dramatically improve their mood and energy levels. Fresh air and physical activity are excellent for burning off excess energy, leading to calmer kids. Yes, it’s the winter holidays in South Africa but simply dress them warmly – in layers – and they’ll be fine.

Will you have moments of chaos and disarray,  boredom and arguing between siblings? Absolutely. But with a loose structure and some solid plans for activities in place, parents are better placed to embrace it for what it is – just another part of parenting, and probably one to enjoy. Because they say it passes so quickly, childhood that is. Except the winter school holidays. That lasts forever.