7 Ways to Nurture Young Minds Over the School Holidays Without Spending a Cent

The school holidays are a wonderful opportunity for families to reconnect, recharge, and enjoy quality time together. However, with the extra downtime, keeping young minds engaged, balanced, and emotionally well can sometimes be challenging. The good news? Nurturing your child’s wellbeing doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Here are 7 practical, cost-free tips to support your child’s emotional and mental wellbeing during the holiday season. Here are some tips that help, you may want to pass on to your parent body to help navigate the holiday season:

1. Maintain a Consistent Routine

While holidays bring flexibility and freedom, a consistent routine provides stability and security—especially for young minds. Children thrive on predictability, as it helps them feel safe and reduces feelings of anxiety.

Simple Ideas:

• Stick to regular wake-up and bedtimes. Even a 15-minute shift can help.
• Plan a loose schedule that includes meal times, play, and downtime.
• Designate time for daily activities like reading, walks, or creative play.

For example, mornings could start with breakfast and some quiet reading time, while afternoons might include outdoor play. Small routines like these create a rhythm to the day without feeling rigid.

2. Limit Screen Time

Screens often become a default entertainment option during holidays, but too much screen time can negatively impact mood, sleep, and behaviour. The Australian National Screen Time Guidelines recommend: 

• Under 2 years: No screen time
• Ages 2-5: No more than 1 hour per day
• Ages 5-17: Less than 2 hours per day of sedentary recreational screen time

It’s important to spread this time across the day rather than compensate for missed days with extended periods. For example, a “no screens before lunch” rule can help establish balance.

Alternatives to Screens:

• Outdoor Adventures: Go for nature walks, scavenger hunts, or play backyard games.
• Indoor Fun: Build blanket forts, play board games, or have a reading challenge.
• Creative Play: Draw, paint, or repurpose old materials for DIY crafts.

3. Foster Positive Social Connections

Social interactions are vital for children’s emotional health, helping them build relationships, boost confidence, and feel connected. Long breaks can sometimes leave kids feeling isolated, so providing opportunities for social interaction is key.

Ways to Encourage Connection:

• Arrange playdates with friends, neighbours, or cousins.
• Visit local parks or free community events to encourage interactions.
• Schedule virtual video calls with family members who live far away.

Even something as simple as a picnic in the park or hosting a small group for a game afternoon can bring joy and strengthen friendships.

4. Spend Time Outdoors

Nature is a natural mood booster! Spending time outside reduces stress, increases physical activity, and fosters creativity. The best part? It’s completely free.

Ideas for Outdoor Activities:

• Go on a nature scavenger hunt—look for leaves, flowers, or bugs.
• Visit the local beach, bush trails, or playgrounds.
• Play simple games like hide-and-seek, hopscotch, or ball games.
• Turn an outdoor walk into a story adventure—ask your child to invent stories about what they see.

Being outdoors doesn’t have to be structured. Let your child lead the way, explore, and enjoy the simple wonders of nature.

5. Encourage Healthy Eating and Physical Activity

Physical health directly impacts mental and emotional wellbeing. Balanced meals and daily movement are simple yet powerful ways to boost your child’s energy, mood, and focus.

Fun and Free Ideas:

• Get the kids involved in cooking or prepping meals—turn it into a fun activity.
• Have a dance party at home! Play their favourite music and let loose.
• Try “family yoga” using free online videos.
• Create an at-home obstacle course using pillows, chairs, or other household items.
• FREE Movement cards for families

Small daily movement—even as simple as walking or dancing—can work wonders for physical and emotional health.

6. Be Mindful of Your Own Emotional State

Children are highly perceptive and pick up on the emotions of those around them. If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, they’re likely to notice. Take time to care for your wellbeing during the holidays.

Ways to Stay Balanced:

• Schedule small moments for yourself, like a cup of tea or a quiet 10-minute break.
• Practice mindful breathing or gentle stretching to manage stress.
• Share age-appropriate emotions with your children. For example, “I’m feeling tired today, so I’m going to take a short walk to feel better.”

By modeling self-care, you not only support your own wellbeing but also teach your children valuable habits for managing their emotions. Remember it is important for you to also have time out as well.

7. Be Patient and Understanding

The holiday season can bring a mix of emotions for children—excitement, restlessness, or even frustration. It’s normal for kids to feel all sorts of things when routines are disrupted.

Tips for Emotional Support:

• Be patient and offer a listening ear when they need to talk.
• Validate their feelings: “I can see you’re feeling upset—that’s okay.”
• Encourage creative outlets for emotions, like drawing, storytelling, or movement.
• Avoid over-scheduling and allow time for rest.

Sometimes, all children need is your time and presence. A walk together, reading a book, or simply listening can help them feel seen, supported, and loved.

The school holidays don’t have to be stressful or expensive to be meaningful. By prioritising consistency, connection, and creativity, you can nurture your child’s emotional wellbeing while creating memories that will last a lifetime. Remember: it’s often the simplest, most intentional moments—like a family walk, shared meal, or a heartfelt conversation—that have the greatest impact. This season, focus on presence over presents—being fully engaged and emotionally available will mean far more to your child than any gift ever could.

With a little thought and planning, this holiday season can be a time of growth, joy, and reconnection for both you and your child.

Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy, and emotionally fulfilling holiday season