Why Routine During the School Holidays Is More Important Than You Think

School holidays are exciting.

There are lazy mornings, trips to the park, beach days, movie afternoons and plenty of opportunities to make memories together.

But if you've ever reached the middle of the holidays and thought...

"Why are the kids suddenly arguing over everything?"

or

"Why does everyone seem so out of sorts?"

...you're definitely not alone.

The truth is, while children love the freedom of school holidays, they also crave something many parents don't realise they're missing:

Routine.

The good news? Maintaining a sense of routine doesn't mean recreating school at home.

In fact, some of the best holiday routines are simple, flexible and fun.

Why Children Need Routine (Even During School Holidays)

Children feel safest when they know what comes next.

A predictable routine helps them understand their day, reduces uncertainty and gives them a sense of security.

Research consistently shows that regular daily routines support children's:

• Emotional regulation

• Confidence and independence

• Sleep quality

• Behaviour

• Learning and memory

• Language development

Without any structure at all, many children become overstimulated, overtired and frustrated—which often leads to more meltdowns and power struggles.

Holidays Don't Need To Be Scheduled Every Minute

One of the biggest misconceptions is that routine means following a strict timetable.

It doesn't.

Children don't need every minute planned.

Instead, think about creating simple "anchors" throughout the day.

For example:

• Breakfast together

• Outdoor play

• Quiet learning time

• Lunch

• Creative play

• Story time before bed

Everything in between can stay flexible.

This gives children the predictability they need while still leaving plenty of room for spontaneous adventures.

Learning Doesn't Stop Because School Does

School holidays are the perfect opportunity to keep learning fun.

Children learn best through play—not worksheets.

Simple activities can continue developing important skills without them even realising they're learning.

These include:

• Singing nursery rhymes

• Reading books together

• Building with blocks

• Pretend play

• Matching games

• Sorting colours and shapes

• Counting everyday objects

• Fine motor activities like threading, buttoning and zipping

Just 15–20 minutes of purposeful play each day can help children continue practising skills they'll use when they return to preschool or school.

The Hidden Benefits of Nursery Rhymes

Nursery rhymes might seem simple, but they're one of the most powerful learning tools for young children.

Research has shown that nursery rhymes help develop:

• Vocabulary

• Listening skills

• Speech development

• Memory

• Rhyming awareness

• Early reading skills

• Sequencing

• Confidence

Many of us still remember nursery rhymes from our own childhood because rhythm and repetition help young brains learn naturally.

That's why they're still recommended by educators and speech therapists today.

Screen-Free Time Matters More Than Ever

When the holidays get busy, it's easy to rely on screens.

Sometimes they're exactly what parents need—and that's okay.

But balancing screen time with hands-on play gives children opportunities to practise skills screens simply can't teach.

Activities like threading, zipping, buttoning, matching and imaginative play strengthen:

• Fine motor skills

• Hand strength

• Bilateral coordination

• Problem-solving

• Creativity

• Independent play

• Focus and concentration

These are all essential foundations for school readiness.

The World Health Organization also recommends that children under two years of age have no sedentary screen time, and children aged 2–4 years should have no more than one hour per day, with less being better. Replacing some screen time with active, hands-on play supports healthy early development.

A Simple Holiday Routine You Can Try

You don't need expensive activities or elaborate plans.

Here's a simple rhythm that works for many families:

Morning

• Breakfast

• Outdoor adventure

• Snack

Mid-Morning

• 15–20 minutes of learning through play

• Nursery rhymes, reading or a busy book

Afternoon

• Lunch

• Free play

• Creative activity

Evening

• Dinner

• Bath

• Story time

• Bedtime routine

Remember—the routine is there to support your family, not add pressure.

Learning Through Play Made Easy

If you're looking for simple ways to include learning without making it feel like school, activities that combine fun with skill-building can make all the difference.

At Wondertivity, every busy book and printable is designed to encourage independent, screen-free play while naturally developing skills like fine motor coordination, language, early numeracy, problem-solving and creativity.

They're perfect for those quiet moments during the holidays—whether you're at home, visiting grandparents, heading to a café or simply looking for a meaningful activity between outings.

Because children see them as play, they happily keep learning without even noticing.

Looking for Easy School Holiday Activities?

If you're running out of ideas for the second half of the holidays, our Wondertivity Printables are an easy way to add a little learning and structure to your day.

From colouring pages and matching games to nursery rhymes and educational activities, simply download, print and play whenever you need a screen-free activity.

Whether you have five minutes or an hour, they're designed to keep little hands busy and curious minds learning.

Explore the Wondertivity Printables collection and discover fun, educational activities your child will love—at home, on holidays and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should children have a routine during school holidays?

Yes. While holidays should be fun and relaxed, maintaining a simple routine helps children feel secure, improves behaviour, supports sleep and reduces stress for the whole family.

How much learning should children do during the holidays?

Even 15–20 minutes of playful learning each day can help children continue developing important language, literacy and fine motor skills without feeling like they're doing schoolwork.

What are the best screen-free activities for preschoolers?

Busy books, nursery rhymes, reading, puzzles, pretend play, colouring, matching games and sensory activities are all excellent ways to encourage learning through play.

Why are nursery rhymes important?

Nursery rhymes support speech, vocabulary, memory, listening skills, phonological awareness and early literacy. Their repetition and rhythm make learning enjoyable and memorable.

How can I create a routine without making holidays feel like school?

Focus on a few consistent parts of the day—such as meals, outdoor play, quiet learning time and bedtime—while keeping everything else flexible. Routine should create calm, not pressure.