Holidays are a great time to reinvigorate relationships with your child
Year-end holidays are a special time for families to reconnect, break from routine, and enjoy quality moments together. In this blog, Gail Smith shares why these holidays are essential for strengthening family bonds and creating lasting happiness.
School is over soon for everyone and it is the one time in the year when families can find time together, be different, escape routine and veg out together. This is a time to remind ourselves that as a family we are strong and happy. It is a time to simply play and have fun and to forget about any burdens that have weighed you down this year.
Consider these thoughts that remind us why holiday are such an important time to reunite as a family.
Strengthens Bonds: Holidays provide uninterrupted time to connect, share laughs, and create cherished memories that strengthen family relationships.
Builds Traditions: Creating rituals like baking together or game nights fosters a sense of belonging and gives children something to look forward to every year.
Boosts Emotional Health: Spending quality time as a family reduces stress, enhances happiness, and helps everyone feel supported.
Teaches Values: Engaging in activities like volunteering or storytelling allows parents to pass on values and lessons in a fun, relaxed environment.
Recharges and Reconnects: Stepping away from daily routines allows everyone to reset, appreciate one another, and start fresh with stronger connections.
When everyone is starting to relax it is amazing how humour and laughter increases in a
house. May the jolly HO Ho of Santa permeate in all families over the next few weeks.
‘Tis the season to be jolly.’
5 Simple Tips to Help Your Child Finish the School Year Strong
The end of the school year can bring a mix of emotions for children, from saying goodbye to teachers and classmates to facing uncertainties about the year ahead. Supporting your child through this transition is key to easing their anxieties and helping them embrace the changes. Here are some simple strategies to create a positive closure to the school year and prepare for what's next.
Finishing the school year can come with all sorts of mixed emotions for your child. Farewelling loved teachers, separating from classmates and the fear of the unknown new school year. The best way to help ease end of year anxieties is to put good closure on the current school year. Below are some simple suggestions that may guide you in this area. It's all about helping your child through the transition of school, holidays and school again.
Consider:
1. Set End-of-Year Goals
Encourage your child to set small, specific goals for their final weeks, like I improving in a subject, finishing a project, or mastering a skill. Celebrate every achievement—it builds confidence and momentum.
2. Organize and Review
Help your child clean out their backpack, locker, or study space. Reviewing old notes and assignments reinforces their learning. It is also a chance to revisit special moments.
3. Show Gratitude to Teachers
Writing a thank-you note or small gesture of appreciation teaches your child kindness and helps build lasting connections with their teachers. Discuss who else in the life of the child should be thanked for their successful school year?
4. Reflect on Successes
Take time to discuss your child’s favourite moments from the year. What were they proud of?What did they enjoy most? This positive reflection encourages growth and gratitude
5. Plan for the Next Step
Talk about what’s coming: next summer plans, the next class, or a new school. This helps your child transition with excitement and purpose.
End the school year on a high note by encouraging your child to finish with focus, appreciation, and enthusiasm! Once school is finished, time to make that clear separation from school and holidays. Everybody needs it.
“Closing the school year well prepares your child for a fresh start in the new year.”