School breaks give children and parents a much-needed pause, but breaks can also bring stress. Routines change for your child and family, and time spent together in close settings can cause patience to run short. With a little planning, though, a school break can be a time to relax, have fun and focus on mental health.

When school is not in session, your child's routine might change. They might wake up at a different time, and their activities and routines might vary. While routines may be more relaxed during break, having a regular routine is important for children of all ages. Routines support healthy mental and emotional development by providing kids a sense of stability and connection.

During a school break, your child might need to spend more time with family. Older children may be asked to take on more responsibilities while parents are working. These expectations can conflict with their plans for school break. Clear and intentional communication about expectations — and understanding what is important to your child — will help things run more smoothly.

When school is not in session, your child might not get to see their school friends. Their friends might live in another neighborhood or could be traveling. College students head back to their hometowns. This can lead your child to feel isolated. If possible, plan ahead with your child about creative ways for them to stay connected.

Young children do best with predictability and structure. Creating a schedule that is similar to their school schedule can help them get into a routine during breaks. Adolescents might need a conversation about expectations, so they stay on track with a schedule until school resumes.

Developing a school-break schedule can include setting a wake-up time and bedtime close to your child's school-day schedule, providing snacks and meals in a similar timeframe as their usual schedule, and encouraging your child to engage in activities throughout the day – whether that be lone activities such as reading or drawing or play time with friends.

If your family needs another caregiver while you are at work, provide the caregiver with a written schedule and list of activities.

Traveling during a school break can be an exciting time for your family, but traveling can also be stressful. Planning ahead for things like travel delays or schedule changes can help you and your child enjoy the time away, even if plans have to change.

Young children benefit most when you help prepare them for how to navigate a stressful or overwhelming situation. Talk with your child before the trip to help them understand what will happen on your way to and from your destination. Help them pack a small backpack with things for them to do on the plane or in the car.

Engage your older children in planning your trip. They can help you select locations you will visit, pack snacks and choose rest stops, decide what activities you will do, and schedule breaks during the day. Older children also can pack their own bags and select items to bring that will keep them occupied in airports or on long car trips.

If you are traveling by plane, talk with your child about what will happen at the airport to assuage any fear, arrive well before your flight to allow wiggle room for unexpected situations, and focus on remaining calm with breathing exercises – you can even do them with your child for added security.

If you are traveling by car, look ahead of time for locations for bathroom breaks or other emergencies and inform your child of when those are to ensure their needs are met.

As a parent, you might find yourself carrying most of the stress and anxiety during a trip. It's important to check in with yourself, practice your own self-care and take breaks when you can.

If you have a child who requires more attention to their physical, emotional or behavioral health needs, talk with their doctor or provider before your trip about how best to support their needs. Many airlines, parks and other organizations provide accommodations to travelers with special needs.

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About Kate Williamson, MD, FAAP

Dr. Williamson is a primary care pediatrician in a private practice in Orange County. She received her medical degree from the University of California San Francisco, and did her pediatric residency training at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). While working full time in clinical care, she also serves as the physician informaticist at CHOC and an active leader and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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