When holidays stop feeling like holidays for children

School holidays are supposed to bring relief. A pause from early morning alarms, preparing tiffin, and daily academic pressure. Children eagerly wait for vacations for lazy mornings, outdoor play and visits to relatives. Yet, the announcement of holidays comes with a bunch of holiday homework that turns vacations into assignments.

What was once meant to be a break feels like an extension of the classroom relocated to living rooms and dining tables.

When holidays bring stress home

Holiday homework today is rarely limited to revision or light practice. It often includes projects, charts, models, written assignments, and research work that young children struggle to complete independently.

As a result, parents end up planning, guiding, and sometimes completing their tasks. Travel revolves around their homework pressure. Holidays feel stressful instead of refreshing.

Slowly, holiday homework starts feeling more like a task for parents than for children.

What children miss out on

Holidays play an important role in a child’s emotional and mental well-being. They allow children to relax, explore interests, and simply enjoy being children.

However, when vacations are overloaded with homework, children lose:

• Free playtime
• Opportunities to be creative
• Mental rest after a long academic term

Instead of feeling excited about school, children often return feeling tired and stressed about incomplete holiday homework.

The pressure to be “productive”

There is also an unspoken pressure on families to make holidays academically productive. Parents often help their children submit perfect-looking work. In my opinion, learning does not always need to be measured or graded.

Some of the most valuable lessons come from everyday experiences. Observing what’s happening around, asking questions, interacting with family, and exploring the world.

Rethinking holiday homework

This is not about removing learning from holidays, but about redefining it.

Holiday homework could be simpler and more meaningful, such as:

• Reading books of their own choice (focus on daily reading)
• Writing a short diary, like daily journaling
• Observing nature and surrounding
• Spending time with family
• Learning through hobbies

Such activities encourage learning without pressure and allow children to enjoy their holidays.

A gentle appeal to schools

Educators work hard to balance curriculum demands, and this is not a criticism of schools. However, holidays should offer children space to breathe, reset, and grow beyond textbooks.

Minimal and flexible holiday homework can help children return to school happier and mentally refreshed.

Let holidays be holidays

Childhood passes quickly, and we should let them enjoy every moment of it. If holidays are spent only completing tasks, children miss out on the joy of discovery. It is time we ask ourselves whether we are truly giving children a break, or merely shifting the classroom from school to home. After all, Holidays should prepare children for life, not just exams.

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