School holidays offer families more free time and less structure, which can be both exciting and challenging. With the daily routine of dropping off and picking up children from school gone, bedtime schedules may shift, and families might need to organize activities such as child care, travel, or visits with extended family. These changes mean that everyone in the household has to adjust to a new way of living. The key is to find a balance between giving children a sense of predictability and allowing the holidays to remain a time of flexibility and fun. Routines are important because they help children understand what to expect in a day. When they know the sequence of events, they can better manage their emotions, behavior, and attention. Consistent routines also provide opportunities for learning and growth. However, it's not necessary to create a strict schedule for every minute. Predictability and flexibility can coexist—what matters is that children have enough structure to feel secure while families can adapt to changes as needed. Every family is different, with varying work schedules, cultural traditions, and children's needs, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach. School holidays can be particularly challenging because they often disrupt the usual routines of family members. The disappearance of the school schedule can lead to feelings of unfamiliarity and uncertainty for both children and parents. Parents may need to take time off work or adjust their schedules, while children may suddenly have more free time. Disagreements can arise over holiday plans, such as which relatives to visit or how to manage screen time. Additionally, children may respond differently to the same situation—some may enjoy the freedom, while others may feel unsettled by the changes. It’s important for parents and caregivers to observe how their children react and adjust routines accordingly. Families can create a holiday routine that works by planning and negotiating in advance. If possible, discuss holiday arrangements before the break, especially when multiple households or extended family are involved. Compromises, such as alternating which grandparents are visited each year, may be necessary. Older children can be included in the planning process, which helps them understand the reasoning behind decisions and develop their own planning skills. If there are school-related tasks like homework, it’s best to plan when to complete them rather than leaving it until the last minute. Thinking ahead about how to transition back to the school routine can also help ease the shift. Maintaining some normalcy can help children adjust to the holiday routine without it feeling too strict. Families can keep certain traditions consistent, such as weekly movie nights or regular visits to grandparents. Keeping meal times, wake-up and bedtime schedules, or planned activities like daily walks relatively consistent can also help. At the same time, it’s important to leave room for spontaneous fun and to remember that the holiday routine should also work for the parents and caregivers. For families with shift-working parents or children who move between households, identical routines may not be realistic. Instead, focus on creating predictability during the time children are with you and communicate with other caregivers where possible. Parenting doesn’t have to be done alone. Evidence-based parenting programs, including online resources, can help parents build confidence and develop strategies for managing everyday family life. School holidays don’t need to be completely structured, and children benefit from time to relax, play, and be spontaneous. The goal is to provide enough predictability so children know what to expect while keeping enough flexibility for families to enjoy the holidays together.