Simple Routines for Stress-Free School Holidays
The school holidays are a magical time for making memories—but let’s be honest, they can also be chaotic. Between juggling work, entertaining the kids, and trying to keep the house from turning into a disaster zone, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
At Simplify My Home, we’re all about helping you create calm among the chaos. So, we’ve pulled together some simple ideas to help you entertain the kids and keep your home and your sanity organised during school holidays.
Create a Holiday Routine (That Still Feels Fun)
Kids thrive on routine, even in the holidays. While we’re not suggesting a military-style schedule, a loose daily rhythm gives kids a sense of predictability and keeps your days from spiraling.
Try this simple structure:
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Morning: Chill time, breakfast, free play
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Mid-morning: Activity block (crafts, baking, outing, etc.)
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Afternoon: Rest time (books, screens, quiet play)
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Late afternoon: Outdoor play / tidy up / help with dinner
Hot Tip: Use a whiteboard or a printable planner on the fridge so everyone knows the plan (bonus points if the kids help create it!).
Set Up a “Holiday Hub” Station
Keep the holiday clutter under control by creating a designated area for all the bits and bobs: activity books, crayons, puzzles, sunscreen, hats, toys—whatever’s in high rotation.
Use a basket, trolley, or drawer system to keep everything in one place and easy to grab. No more frantic searches for the glue stick!
Plan One “Main Event” Per Day
Kids don’t need back-to-back stimulation; they just need one thing to look forward to each day. It could be:
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Making homemade playdough
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A library visit
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A movie picnic in the lounge
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Baking cookies
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A water balloon fight in the backyard
The rest of the day can flow around that one core activity. This helps keep expectations realistic (for them and you!).
Keep a 15-Minute Reset Rule
At the end of each day or before dinner have a quick 15-minute family reset. Set a timer, put on a playlist, and everyone helps tidy up. It makes a huge difference, and it teaches kids that tidying is a team effort, not just Mum or Dad’s job.
Easy Snack Zones = Less “Muuuum I’m hungry!”
School holidays = snack attacks. Set up a kid-friendly snack drawer in the fridge or pantry with pre-approved snacks they can help themselves to throughout the day. It gives them some independence and gives you a break from the snack stand every 20 minutes.
Embrace the Mess (But with Boundaries)
Yes, there will be glitter on the floor. And crumbs on the couch. But having simple systems in place like labeled baskets, daily resets, and clear routines means the mess won’t take over your life.
You’ve got this. And if it’s feeling like too much? We’re here to help. Whether it’s a playroom refresh, pantry chaos, or a whole-home reset, our team of organisation consultants can help you create calm in the clutter.
