How can holidays really affect children?
For many children, the school holidays are a time to have fun and relax without the stresses of schoolwork. However, a lot of young people can feel stressed or lonely from a loss of routine and time with friends. Here, we take a deeper dive into how the holidays affect children, and what parents can do about it.
Stats
80%
of parents who have children with a learning disability struggle to access support services during the summer holidays
21%
of young people said not having money had sometimes stopped them from doing something they wanted to do
Changes in routine and support
Changes in routine and support
School holidays, be it the long summer break, or half-term holidays, come with significant changes in children’s routines. From organised, hourly schedules to having whole weeks free, it can feel disorienting for some.
This is particularly the case for many neurodivergent children, who can prefer the predictability of routine to feel a sense of control and calm. The lack of certainty that comes with a disruption in routine can lead to anxiety and emotional outbursts.
Limited support cont.
With reduced support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) during school holidays, both parents and young people struggle to find the help they need. Key resources, like therapies, affordable childcare, local activities, and educational plans, are vital in improving young people’s wellbeing and development. In the absence of this tailored support, there is a risk of the child falling behind in not only their education but also their communication and socialising skills. The challenge of finding suitable support can be a strain on families, both mentally and financially. With insufficient funding and opportunities for SEND childcare, parents and carers often need to evidence their child’s need to access necessary support (educational plans, speech and occupational therapy), which can come at a cost to the parents.
Many children might love the idea of weeks off without routine, feeling the freedom that comes with no schoolwork or scheduled lessons. If there are holidays away planned, or time to socialise and relax, the break will feel even more exciting. Other children, however, can struggle without support and structure. If there aren’t any plans on the horizon, they may not only feel anxious from the unpredictability, but lonely or like they’re missing out compared to their peers.
Sense of loneliness
Sense of loneliness
With the increase of social media usage, young people can be in touch more than ever. However, it also can contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially for those that may not find making friends so easy.
Seeing other people having fun on their holidays, can make it easy for young people to compare themselves and feel left out. This is common, especially when going from busy school environments to unstructured days at home.
Loneliness
Online interactions intending to stay in contact over the break can also end up replacing face-to-face socialising, which can create disconnect between friends and peers. These feelings of disconnect and loneliness are common in young people, but it can feel uniquely isolating to each child feeling this way. This can be heightened in children from marginalised backgrounds or difficult home life, and lead to their mental health worsening.
Help during the holidays
One of the most helpful ways to help children that are struggling during the holidays is to give them a sense of control. If your child feels anxious without a structured routine, you can do this by working with them to create a flexible plan throughout the holidays; setting up a loose schedule with activities and mealtimes will help keep the children anchored, therefore feel calmer. Keeping it loose and flexible helps with predictability but avoids the rigidity of school.
Amidst these routines, make time for fresh air and spend time outdoors. Not only will it keep them active during holidays (and help you reset as a household if it becomes overwhelming), but fresh air and walking is beneficial for everyone’s mental health.
Speaking of mental health, limiting screen time will help avoid eye strain and a disruption of sleep. While young people might use their phones to socialise online, play games, and watch shows, balance is key. Encourage creative activities, time in-person with friends, and head to local events to help them socialise with other children during the break. Not only will a balance of activities help provide structure to the holidays, but it will also prevent children feeling lonely and support their mental health.
Ultimately, feelings of stress, anxiety, and loneliness are common in young people during holidays, especially if it’s a transitional time for them, i.e. joining a new school or finishing exams. Encourage them to talk about their feelings and be there for them with an empathetic ear.
Author: Aisha Khan
