Now is not the time to panic
Now is Not the Time to Panic
Updated June 2025
In just a few short weeks, the school year will be over and the long summer holidays will begin.
If your family is anything like mine, the final stretch of the academic year can feel a bit relentless: sports days, end-of-year performances, exams, and the general juggle of life. It’s tempting to feel like you just need to ‘get through’ the last few weeks. But what if, instead, we used this time to prepare ourselves and our children for the summer ahead, gently?
Here’s the thing (and yes, this is coming from someone with 25+ years of experience in education and parenting support): now is not the time to panic. Not about schoolwork. Not about screen time. Not about how you're going to fill every minute of the holidays.
In fact, now might be a good time to pause. Reflect. Breathe.
Press Pause Before You Power On
Before we launch into the chaos or calm of summer, take a little time as a family to look back on the school year. Over dinner or on a walk, ask:
What have you learned this year (both in and out of the classroom)?
What helped make mornings or evenings run more smoothly?
What would you love to do differently next school year?
What are you most proud of?
This small moment of reflection can help kids (and grown-ups!) process what’s gone well and what they’ve overcome. It’s grounding and empowering.
The Summer Stretch: Exciting or Overwhelming?
Summer can bring up a mix of feelings: excitement, exhaustion, and anxiety. Some families love the freedom, while others thrive on structure. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but a little gentle planning can go a long way.
Rather than scheduling every second, think about creating a simple rhythm for your days. Maybe it’s themed days (Movie Monday, Takeaway Friday), loose routines (mornings out, afternoons in), or pencilling in weekly family activities.
Ask yourself:
What does a “good day” in the holidays look like for our family?
What do I need to recharge this summer?
How can we balance downtime with fun?
And yes, meal planning might sound dull, but even a rough 2–3 week rotation can prevent the dreaded “What’s for tea?” loop.
Celebrate the Wins
The end of the school year is a brilliant time to celebrate your children’s progress. Not just academic grades or certificates, but their effort, friendships, resilience, kindness, or simply showing up day after day.
Celebrations don’t have to be expensive: picnics, a backyard camp-out, ice cream for dinner, or a kitchen disco go a long way. Marking these moments shows your child that effort matters just as much as outcomes.
Give Yourself Permission
If you need to hear it, you do not need to fill every day of the summer holidays with magic and memory-making.
Some days will be screen-filled. Some might be moody. Some will be joyful and connected. That’s family life.
You do you. Protect your energy, honour your limits, and trust that being present beats being perfect.
If the thought of the summer holidays feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Whether you need help creating a flexible plan or are looking for ways to support your child’s emotional well-being, I’m here. Let’s chat—book your free call today and let’s take the pressure off, together.
