How to Survive School Holidays When You're an Exhausted Parent

The pressure of "making memories" when you're running on empty

School holidays arrive and, theoretically, so should relaxation. No early alarm clocks, fewer packed lunches, and a pause on the relentless homework battles. But if you're an already exhausted parent, the idea of weeks at home with your child—especially a child struggling with school-related stress, learning difficulties, or heightened emotional needs—can feel daunting more than delightful.

No one talks enough about the invisible load you carry: the pressure to create joyful memories, keep screen time balanced, plan enriching activities, and maintain some peace—all while you're running low on physical and emotional energy. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. And more importantly, you're not doing anything wrong.

Let go of the perfection pressure

During school breaks, social media explodes with curated pictures of museum outings, crafting sessions, and picture-perfect picnics. But remember: these snapshots don't tell the whole story. Behind every post is a real parent with real challenges, and you are not obligated to replicate a version of perfection that doesn't exist in your reality.

Instead of trying to fill every day with structured activities, aim for what actually serves your family right now. This might mean long mornings in pajamas, spontaneous playtime, or even a “lazy day” of doing nothing much at all. Children benefit not just from stimulation—but also from rest, unscheduled time, and your presence (even when you're not at 100%).

Routines that ground, not control

Instead of crafting an ambitious holiday schedule, create a soft structure—a rhythm—that helps your child feel safe while giving you room to breathe. Think of it as a flexible outline rather than a rigid program.

Start with a few familiar anchors each day: mealtimes, an afternoon rest period, or a predictable evening routine. As explored in this guide on calm after-school routines, consistency offers reassurance to kids, especially those who grapple with emotional regulation or academic struggles. Even during holidays, some form of gentle routine can help create stability for both of you.

Choosing rest over activities (and not feeling guilty about it)

There’s immense value in simply co-existing quietly with your child rather than constantly entertaining them. If you're burnt out, prioritize recovery where you can. This might mean letting go of the idea that daily outings or hands-on learning experiences are what count most.

Look for quiet, restful activities that recharge you while still engaging your child: puzzles, drawing together, sharing a story, or simply lying on the couch listening to something enriching. The iOS or Android versions of the LISN Kids app, for example, offer a wide selection of audiobooks and original story series designed for children aged 3–12. It's an easy, screen-free way to ease the mental load—your child can relax into a captivating world while you take a much-needed breather.

Be honest about your limits—and model that honesty

One of the gentlest gifts you can give your child during the holidays is honesty. Saying, “I'm really tired today, so we’ll do something quiet together,” isn't a failure—it's modeling emotional awareness and boundary-setting. Most children, especially those dealing with school-related overwhelm, benefit from seeing these skills in action.

Your child doesn’t need you to be endlessly energetic. They need you to be real. For many kids, especially those who struggle at school, knowing that even grownups get tired—or take breaks—can be deeply comforting and bonding.

When exhaustion becomes chronic, it's time to tune in

If you're feeling chronically depleted, with no real recuperation in sight, it might be time to talk about parental burnout. You're not weak, and you're not failing: you're responding to a high-demand situation with limited resources. Our piece on parental burnout explores how to name what you're feeling, how to seek support, and even how to find small sources of rest in your current situation.

Similarly, if you're co-parenting solo or often feel like you’re carrying everything on your own, this survival guide for exhausted single parents offers practical, empathetic advice to help lighten the load—even just a little.

The holidays don’t need to be heroic

Ultimately, your holiday survival plan doesn’t need to be a list of activities—it can simply be an intention to slow down, forgive yourself, and be present in whichever way feels most sustainable for you. Even small moments—an unrushed breakfast, a shared laugh, a bedtime story enjoyed without hurry—can be profoundly meaningful to your child.

There’s wisdom in knowing when to push and when to pause. And if you’re finding it hard to pause, this reflection on lowering the pressure when you’re tired can help you regain perspective with gentleness rather than guilt.

So, as the school holidays stretch out before you, remember: survival doesn’t mean doing everything. Sometimes, it just means doing less—but doing it with love, intention, and kindness toward yourself. That, too, is parenting well.