Creating a Calm Summer Routine When School Stops
The school holidays can bring a welcome break from routine — but for many children with additional needs, that change can feel unsettling.
Without the structure of the school day, children may feel unsure, dysregulated, or anxious. Sleep patterns can shift, behaviour can change, and everyday tasks may become more challenging.
With a little planning and the right support, it is possible to create a calm, flexible routine that helps everyone feel more settled over the summer.
Why Routine Still Matters
Routine provides predictability, and predictability helps reduce anxiety. During the school term, much of that structure is built in. During the holidays, it often disappears overnight.
This can lead to:
- Increased anxiety or uncertainty
- Difficulty transitioning between activities
- Sleep disruption
- Changes in behaviour
Reintroducing a simple structure at home can make a significant difference.
Keeping Structure Without Being Rigid
A summer routine does not need to be strict — in fact, flexibility is important. Instead, aim for a gentle structure that provides guidance without pressure.
- Keep consistent wake-up and bedtime routines where possible
- Break the day into simple, predictable parts (morning, midday, afternoon, evening)
- Plan one or two key activities rather than filling the whole day
- Build in time for rest and regulation
This balance helps children know what to expect, while still allowing space for spontaneity.
Using Visual Supports to Guide the Day
Visual supports can help children understand what is happening and what comes next, reducing uncertainty and supporting independence.
Tools such as TomTag visual schedules can be used to map out the day in a simple, clear way — for example: getting dressed, breakfast, activity, rest time, and bedtime.
This can help:
- Reduce anxiety by making the day more predictable
- Support smoother transitions between activities
- Encourage independence
- Improve understanding and communication
Download a Summer Routine Checklist
To help create a calm and manageable structure at home, we have created a simple checklist you can use during the school holidays.
Download the Summer Routine Checklist
This printable guide includes practical steps for building structure, supporting transitions, and keeping expectations flexible during the summer break.
Supporting Transitions Throughout the Day
Transitions — moving from one activity to another — can be particularly challenging without the familiar structure of school.
Simple strategies can help:
- Give advance warning before changes
- Use visual cues or timers to show what is coming next
- Keep transitions consistent where possible
- Allow extra time to move between activities
Summer Holidays and Toilet Training
For many families, the school holidays can be a good time to focus on toilet training. With fewer time pressures and more flexibility at home, there is space to build consistency and confidence.
However, changes in routine can also make this more challenging, so keeping structure and clear expectations is key.
Visual supports can help children understand the steps involved, while consistency and patience help build success over time.
Read our toilet training advice and guidance for practical support and ideas to help you get started.
Keeping Expectations Realistic
Not every day will go to plan — and that is okay.
Some days will feel easier than others. Plans may change, routines may slip, and that is all part of the process.
Focusing on small wins and maintaining a calm, supportive approach can make a big difference over time.
A Calmer Summer for Everyone
With a simple structure, clear expectations, and the right support, the school holidays can become a time of growth, confidence and enjoyment.
Creating a calm routine does not mean removing flexibility — it means building a foundation that helps everyone feel more secure, supported and ready for the day ahead.