Surviving (and Thriving) the School Holidays: A Mum’s Guide to Navigating Burnout

School holidays! Those two words can spark both joy and dread in the heart of any parent. The idea of more time with your kids is beautiful in theory. But in practice? It can mean never-ending snacks, chaos, noise, guilt, exhaustion, and pressure to plan all the things, including day trips.

If you're a parent feeling the slow creep (or full-blown wave) of burnout, you’re not alone, and you're not failing.

Here’s a compassionate guide to navigating burnout during the school holidays, while still showing up for your kids and yourself.

 

1. Acknowledge What You're Feeling

Burnout isn’t just a case of being tired; it’s the emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that builds up when your needs go unmet for too long. And parents? We are masters at pushing our needs to the bottom of the list.

Name it and don’t shame it. Are you overwhelmed? Frustrated? Depleted? Excited but concerned you won't have it under control? Sometimes, the most powerful act of is simply admitting what you’re feeling.

2. Adjust Expectations: Lower the Bar

Pinterest-perfect activities and Instagram-worthy days are not the standard, don’t let Instagram fool you. If your kids have screen time so you can breathe, that doesn’t make you a bad mum, it makes you a human mum.

Let “good enough” be the goal if feeling burnt out. Frozen pizza? Fine. Messy playroom? Normal. Kids bored sometimes? Actually healthy. Simplify wherever you can.

 

3. Create a Loose Routine (Not a Rigorous Schedule)

Kids thrive on structure, and so do adults, but that doesn’t mean planning out every 15 minutes. Try a rhythm to your day, like:

·       Morning: Play outside or do an activity

·       Midday: Lunch + quiet time (for them and you)

·       Afternoon: Screen time/ crafts/ playtime

·       Evening: Easy dinner, wind-down routine

Giving the day a shape can relieve pressure while leaving plenty of room for flexibility.

 

4. Balance the Day Trips

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to fill every day with outings to zoos, parks, play centres, swimming pools or cinemas. While these can create amazing memories, they can also be draining; emotionally, logistically, and.... financially.

Here’s how to find balance:

·       Plan Ahead, Sparingly: Choose 1–2 intentional activities/ trips each week and treat them as highlights, not obligations.

·       Know Your Limits: If you’re tired or the kids are cranky, skip the trip. Rest days matter just as much.

·       Keep It Simple: A nature walk, library visit, or picnic at the local park can feel just as special as a big-ticket attraction.

·       Rotate Expectations: Not every outing needs to be educational or exciting. Sometimes, it’s okay to do “easy.”

Most importantly, It's ok to let them be bored for a while.... remember our own childhoods when boredom would bring about some of the most fun times? When children aren’t constantly entertained, their brains are free to wander, imagine, and make new connections. A 2014 study published in the Creativity Research Journal and Psychologist Dr. Teresa Belton also emphasized that boredom helps children develop internal resources and self-generated ideas. So when kids say, “I’m bored,” it’s actually an opportunity for creative growth, not a problem to solve.

5. Carve Out Micro-Moments for Yourself

Long baths and spa days might not be realistic, but 5-minute moments can be. A quiet cup of tea. A chapter of a book. A 10-minute walk around the block while someone watches the kids. A deep breath with your eyes closed. A night off with friends.

6. Say No Without Explaining to others

Playdates, extended family visits, elaborate days out, awhile enjoyable and fulfilling, sometimes, they can be just too much. You are allowed to decline things without a long-winded excuse. A simple, “We’re having a quiet day” is enough.

7. Ask for Help (Even If It Feels Awkward)

You do not need to do it all. Whether it’s asking your partner(if you have one), a neighbour, a friend or a family member to take over for an evening, calling in a babysitter, or just venting to a friend; delegate, offload, or decompress wherever possible.

8. Remember This: You’re Already Enough

Your kids don’t need a perfect parent. They need a parent. And that is you, I always like to add this little titbit in to help with the mom guilt...

If you're worried about not doing enough, its a sign that you care, and that is enough.

Even stretched thin. Children need your love, not your perfection.

School holidays can be beautiful, fun and memorable, but they can also be hard af, especially if you're running on empty and managing work as well. Burnout isn’t something you can always avoid, but you can navigate it with grace, gentleness, and a whole lot of self-compassion.

Give yourself permission to rest, reset, and remember: You're doing your best, and your best is more than enough.

Love, K