The summer holidays sound lovely in theory — no school runs, no lunch boxes, no uniforms. Just sunny days and family memories, right?
But for parents of children with special needs, the reality can be far more complicated. The routine is gone. Support is limited (if not completely absent). The sensory overload is real. And “rest” is something you might get in September.
If you’re already feeling the pressure of the approaching break, you’re not alone. Here’s a real, practical, and honest guide to surviving — and maybe even enjoying — the summer holidays with your SEN child.
1. Lower the Bar (Seriously)
First things first: forget the Instagram-perfect summer.
You don’t need to cram the calendar with crafts, picnics, or theme park days to make memories. Surviving the summer isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing what works for your family.
If your child only wants to play Minecraft and eat beige food for a week, that’s okay. If you need to rely on CBeebies more than usual — that’s okay too. Your sanity matters just as much.
2. Create a Loose Visual Routine
For many SEN children, routine = safety. When school stops, so does the predictability.
Try using a visual schedule, daily checklist, or even a whiteboard timetable to create structure.
Include basics like:
- Wake-up and sleep times
- Meals
- Screen time
- Outdoor breaks
- Free play
- Any planned activities (even if it’s just “trip to Tesco”)
Even if the day doesn’t go exactly to plan, the visual outline can offer reassurance to both you and your child.
3. Use the Power of Choice
Transitions can be tough. To ease stress, offer controlled choices where possible.
Instead of: “We’re going to the park.”
Try: “Would you like the swing park or the one with the pond?”
Small choices = a sense of control. That can reduce anxiety and help prevent meltdowns.
4. Build in Calm Zones
Whether you’re staying at home or going on days out, always have a plan for regulation time.
Set up a “calm space” at home — a tent, a corner with sensory toys, noise-cancelling headphones, or fidget tools.
If you’re out, bring a small calm kit:
Ear defenders
Favourite music
Fidget toys
Snacks
Juice bottle
Wipes (because there will be stickiness)
The goal isn’t to prevent every meltdown — it’s to give your child (and you) what they need to reset when things feel too much.
5. Plan Quiet Days After Busy Ones
If you’re planning a trip, activity, or family event, try to buffer it with rest days before or after.
Neurodivergent kids often need recovery time after sensory-heavy days, even if they seemed to enjoy themselves at the time.
Pace yourselves. Your summer doesn’t need to be non-stop.
6. Keep Expectations Clear for Everyone
Siblings, partners, extended family — let them know what the plan is, what your child might struggle with, and what support you need.
It’s okay to say:
- “We might leave early if it’s too much.”
- “Please don’t ask them too many questions at once.”
- “They just need time to calm themselves”
Setting boundaries isn’t rude. It’s protective.
7. Give Yourself Permission to Tap Out
Let’s be honest: it’s exhausting.
You don’t need to love every moment of the holidays to be a good parent. You’re allowed to feel overwhelmed. You’re allowed to need a break.
Even 15 minutes with headphones in the garden, a sneaky scroll on your phone in the bathroom, or a quick cry-then-cup-of-tea moment counts. Whatever keeps you going is valid.
You are parenting 24/7 — during a time when most of your usual supports have shut down. That’s heroic. Full stop.
8. Celebrate the Small Wins
Did you make it through a meltdown without shouting?
Did your child tolerate a new texture or manage a new environment, even for five minutes?
Did you have one calm moment together in between the chaos?
Celebrate it.
Because those moments are golden — even more so when you know how hard they were to reach.
Final Thoughts:
The summer holidays will be what you make of them. Not what Pinterest suggests. Not what other parents post.
Your version of a good summer might be calm mornings, screen breaks, lots of snacks, and not losing your mind. That’s more than okay — that’s real.
Give yourself grace. Give your child what they need.
And if you make it to September in one piece?
You, my friend, deserve a medal (and a nap).
Comments
Post a Comment