Families For Life | Upholding home routines while on holiday
Everyone looks forward to the holidays or an overseas trip as a chance to take a break from usual routines and recharge with loved ones. But that shift can throw a child’s daily structure completely off, and the fallout usually lands on you. That’s why keeping a few key routines in place, even while on holiday, can help anchor the day. Learn how to maintain your home routines without killing the holiday vibes!
The importance of routines
Young children rely on routines because they set their expectations for the day, give structure and predictability. When travelling, your child will face unfamiliar and unexpected environments. Routines will anchor them to something familiar, making them feel secure and helping them deal with the stress and anxiety of being in a new place.
Routines also help families organise themselves efficiently so they can get things done, and still have fun!
What routines should I uphold?
Family routines differ depending on how your family operates or what your family prioritises. Ask yourself if your family has routines that encourage family bonding or require consistency, such as teaching healthy habits. For many families, those routines include:
Morning routines, such as wake-up times, bathing and teeth brushing
Mealtimes
Play times
Homework schedules, if your child has any
Night routines, such as story time, saying prayers, or one-on-one time with a parent
How to uphold routines while on holiday
It’s essential to create an environment that encourages your kids to keep up their routines while on holiday or overseas. Here are some tips to help you do just that:
1. Set clear expectations
Before the holiday begins, have a family meeting to discuss schedules and what they will look like. Explain clearly to your kids why certain routines are still important and hear them out if they have questions or concerns. This ensures everyone knows what to expect while enjoying the holiday.
2. Create a flexible daily schedule
Get your kids involved to create a daily schedule they can follow while you’re overseas. Not every minute needs to be planned out, but having key time blocks can provide a framework for your kids to fall back on. Consider flexible start and end times for activities. However, meals, screen use, and sleep schedules should remain consistent. Keep timings flexible to make space for holiday activities or spontaneous plans!
3. Be firm
Away from home, your kids will try to test their limits. That’s why you need to hold your ground and have the last say. One small leeway can lead to more spirals and chaos down the road. Instead of being forceful about schedules, try reminding your kids instead. For example, you can say, “I know your homework is not due until school reopens, but we promised you would do some revision at this time.”
Another point is to make sure you and your spouse are on the same page, so you’re giving a consistent message to your kids. A united front keeps routine intact and the stress levels down.
4. Put fun first
At the end of the day, remember that holidays are meant to be relaxing and fun. Even if your kids slip up or your spouse allows one more treat, don’t let that derail the entire trip. Focus on making happy, joyful family moments, so it becomes a holiday worth remembering!
Holidays are more fun with routine work
Keeping children on routines in a time of relaxation and fun can be challenging, but they are necessary to avoid chaos, stress and meltdowns. A well-structured routine that everyone can follow will encourage healthy habits, responsibility, and create a balanced approach to fun, even when you’re away from home. Here’s to a happy, fulfilling family holiday!
References
https://www.jotutors.com.sg/how-to-keep-children-on-routine-during-long-school-holidays/
https://familiesforlife.sg/media/getdocument/TS48_Routines.pdf?filepath=FFLPTips/6cf21a81-3fb5-4b6b-b9a9-a9ea170874e9/TS48_Routines_0f838a22-0022-418a-b854-e1a9e259a91f.pdf
https://familiesforlife.sg/pages/FFLPArticle/Young-Children-Routines-To-Manage-Behaviour
https://familiesforlife.sg/pages/FFLPArticle/Children-Socialising-Family-life-Family-routines-How-and-why-they-work-1
https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/blog/the-race-to-good-health/202412/maintaining-routines-and-discipline-during-the-holiday-break