Keeping Kids Happy and Engaged Over the Holiday Break

Many children eagerly count the days until the school holiday vacation. For parents and caregivers, that countdown might be stressful. This is a busy season for families, and the expectations for work, rest, cooking, shopping, and visiting relatives can be overwhelming. Even for those who travel over the vacation, the idea of long plane flights, train, or car trips with bored youngsters can feel daunting.

The American school-aged child is busier than ever before. Many juggle two or more extracurricular activities in addition to homework and attending school full time. Adding in the busy work schedules of caregivers and the added pressures of holiday expectations, the pace can feel unsustainable. According to experts in child and family psychology, it probably is (Pew Research Center). 

Family burnout is a term gaining momentum in the mental health field. More Americans than ever are struggling to manage the financial and scheduling pressures of contemporary family life (Institute for Family Studies), but the social pressures of having “well-rounded” children who play sports and musical instruments, engage in science activities, speak other languages, and volunteer in their communities (in addition to schoolwork) isn’t slowing down. The proposed solution? Sometimes doing nothing at all.

There is a great deal of research on the value of unstructured time for people of all ages. In fact, increasing studies show that feelings of happiness and contentment in adults are more closely tied to having free time than to more money (Harvard Business Review). For children, daily access to free, unstructured time (including limited exposure to screens) is not only tied to increased happiness and attention span, but also better problem solving, imagination, and social skills (Scientific American). Interestingly, research indicates that children (of all ages) who have hours to fill with imaginative play are less likely to feel stressed, get along with siblings and parents better, and demonstrate improved independent thinking abilities (American Psychological Association). 

Being radically un-busy during the holiday vacation can look like prioritizing free play and open family time. The Rally Reader team of parents and educators has compiled a list of favorite activities that encourages family bonding and imaginative play for children. In addition to being easier on your wallet, your whole family may find the slower pace to be deeply restful and restorative, which, after all, are what vacations are for. 

• Cook together! Holiday baking, assembling meals, or even making play-dough in the kitchen can be a fun way for caregivers and children to learn and relax together. Afterward, make cleaning up fun by putting on music or playing word games while you work. You’ll be bonding and building life skills! Stumped on where to start? Rally Reader has cookbooks that provide recipes and fun learning opportunities for chefs of all ages.

• Set up a craft station. Cardboard boxes, glue, tape, ribbon, markers, scissors, paper and paint can provide hours of fun. Try making cardboard gingerbread houses that become cozy cottages for toys, or encourage children to draw their own comic books. The possibilities are endless! Check out Rally Reader’s craft book ideas for inspiration and kid-friendly instructions. 

• Build a blanket fort. Children of all ages will enjoy designing, problem solving, and setting up a cozy space to play in. The time will fly by and they’ll be making core memories.

• Go for family walks. Enjoy the winter weather outside, whatever it looks like for you. 

• Build a bug hotel. This is a great activity for older children to lead with younger children, and you’ll be helping out your local microfauna!

• Do absolutely nothing at all. Feelings of boredom and frustration usually last only a few minutes before children find something to do (Child Mind Institute). You can always give them options to choose from, but consider seeing what emerges from their own creativity first.

Another terrific use of a slower pace and open schedule? Reading! People of all ages benefit from time engaged in reading activities. Teachers often recommend reading during vacations as a high-impact way to retain information and keep skills sharp. Rally Reader takes the stress out of literacy practice by helping children read independently. Our innovative app collects valuable data (like pace and accuracy) that helps parents understand how their child’s reading skills develop while keeping it fun and encouraging for the readers. Whether you are staying home, traveling, or hoping to encourage relaxation while filling the time, Rally Reader is here to help. We wish you a happy (and truly restful) holiday vacation!

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