When school breaks up for summer, it’s a time of excitement—but also, for many parents, a time of overwhelm. With routines disrupted, demands multiplied, and the pressure to “make it magical” for the kids, it’s easy for stress levels to rise.

But staying well—both mentally and emotionally—shouldn’t take a back seat. With a few simple strategies, parents and caregivers can carve out time for themselves and build a summer that’s enjoyable for everyone.

Keep (Some) Structure

While summer should be fun, completely abandoning routine can leave kids restless and adults frazzled. Try a loose daily rhythm: morning activity, lunchtime rest, afternoon play. Having predictable blocks of the day helps children feel secure—and gives adults space to plan and breathe.

Don’t Aim for Perfection

Not every day has to be packed with activities or Instagram-worthy memories. Boredom is not the enemy—kids benefit from unstructured time. Allow yourself to ditch the guilt and remember that simplicity often leads to the best memories.

Create ‘Time-for-You’ Pockets

Self-care doesn’t have to mean a full spa day. Wake up 15 minutes earlier for a quiet coffee, take a walk after dinner, or pop on a podcast while the kids craft. Ask your partner, a friend or family member to help cover short breaks—even a solo supermarket trip can do wonders.

Involve Kids in Mindfulness

Mindfulness isn’t just for adults. Practice deep breathing, quiet colouring, or nature walks together. Apps like Headspace or Insight Timer offer guided meditations for children that can become a soothing part of your routine.

Connect with Other Parents

You’re not alone. Reach out to other families to swap childcare, plan shared activities, or simply vent over a cuppa. Community can lift some of the emotional load—and even just knowing others feel the same can be hugely reassuring.

Lower the Mental Load

Make use of summer clubs, local events, or even occasional screen time without guilt. Write down plans, shopping lists, and to-dos so you’re not mentally juggling them all day. Tools like shared calendars or apps (Cozi, Google Keep) can help divide the load if you’re co-parenting.

Celebrate the Little Wins

Did the kids play happily for 30 minutes? Did you fold the laundry or drink your tea while it was still hot? Those are victories. Acknowledge the good moments—however small—to keep your mindset in a positive place.

The summer holidays are a marathon, not a sprint. With some gentle structure, intentional rest, and support from others, you can enjoy this time without burning out. Put your oxygen mask on first—your wellbeing matters too.