New social media access rules for children come into effect from 10 December 2025, and with that, many parents are wondering how to help their kids adjust — especially during the long summer break.
And while the holidays give kids a well-earned rest, parenting doesn’t clock off. The good news? With a little planning and a lot of grace, the school holidays can also be a beautiful time to reconnect.
Here are 10 practical, family-friendly tips to help you get through the break with more joy and less stress:
1. Plan Ahead (But Keep it Flexible)
Sit down with your kids and make a list of activities they’d love to do.
Include:
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Indoor and outdoor options
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One-on-one time with each child
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Family days and downtime
A simple weekly plan helps reduce stress and gives kids something to look forward to.
2. Remember — The Best Things in Life Are Free
Holidays don’t need to be expensive. Add plenty of free activities to your list:
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Beach days
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Picnics and bike rides
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Library visits
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Local playground crawls
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Bushwalks and coastal tracks
Some of the happiest memories come from simple days out.
3. Embrace Boredom
Yes… really.
Unstructured time is good for kids. It sparks creativity, builds resilience and gives young minds a rest from screens — especially important with new social media restrictions in place.
4. Use the Time to Build Independence
Without the morning rush, holidays are perfect for teaching new skills:
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Making their own breakfast or lunch
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Walking the dog
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Helping with washing or dishes
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Going to the shops for small items (age dependent)
These moments help boost confidence and responsibility.
5. Ask for Help (You Don’t Have to Do It All!)
Share the load where you can:
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Swap playdates with another parent
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Ask family to take the kids for a few hours
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Team up with neighbours or school mums for group outings
Parenting is easier when we don’t do it alone.
6. Accept That Not Everything Will Go to Plan
Weather changes, kids get sick, and plans fall through.
That’s okay.
Often, the unexpected moments — messy, chaotic or hilarious — become the stories your family tells for years.
7. Don’t Forget About Your Self-Care
Your wellbeing matters.
Take even 20–30 minutes for yourself each day:
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A quiet walk
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A cuppa and a book
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A quick nap
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Sitting outside and breathing
A calmer parent = a calmer household.
8. Stay Connected With Other Parents
Having adults to talk to (and laugh with!) during the holidays is priceless. Catch up with friends, join local groups, or meet other mums at the park.
It gives you support — and gives the kids playtime.
9. Prioritise Your Child’s Mental Health
Traditions are wonderful… but not at the cost of your child’s wellbeing.
If a family trip, dinner or event consistently triggers anxiety, meltdowns or stress — especially for teens or kids with ADHD — it’s okay to rethink it.
Choose what nurtures your family, not what “should” be done.
10. Holiday Connections Last All Year
School holidays offer rare pockets of slow time — perfect for getting to know your kids on a deeper level.
Use this time to:
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Share conversations
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Play together
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Have one-on-one outings
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Listen without rushing
These moments strengthen bonds long after school starts again.
