Spring Break Survival

Spring break doesn’t have to mean all the rules go out the window. It helps to keep a few familiar routines in place—like your usual bedtime wind-down or your morning clean-up songs—while also giving yourself permission to be flexible.

Spring Break: Survive & Thrive

Let’s be honest: spring break sounds dreamy! You set high expectations for the magical extra time you get to spend with your kids—no lunches to pack, no big rush to get out the door, and no homework battles. But somewhere between Day 2 and Day 5, things can get real.

If you’re like me, you start the week with visions of nature walks, crafts, and baking projects… and quickly find yourself negotiating screen time limits while Googling “free indoor activities near me.”

Here are a few suggestions—both as a mom and a speech-language pathologist—to help you hold onto some of that spring break magic while keeping most of your sanity intact:

🧺 Set reasonable expectations. Not every day needs to be Pinterest-worthy. Sometimes, just making it through the day without stepping on a LEGO is a win. Your child will be happy to spend a day just at home, and believe it or not, boredom can actually be good for kids! It encourages creativity, independence, and problem-solving. You are not responsible for their entertainment 24/7.

🌦️ Get outside. Even 20 minutes of fresh air can reset everyone’s mood. Bonus points if you bring bubbles or sidewalk chalk. Outdoor time supports motor development, sensory regulation, and good old-fashioned fun.

🎨 Create mini routines. This doesn’t have to be a color-coded schedule (unless that’s your thing). Something simple like “morning snack + puzzle time” or “afternoon walk + storytime” can help provide predictability—especially for kids who thrive on structure. These little anchors can make the days feel more manageable for everyone.

🔄 Keep a little consistency. Spring break doesn’t have to mean all the rules go out the window. It helps to keep a few familiar routines in place—like your usual bedtime wind-down or your morning clean-up songs—while also giving yourself permission to be flexible. If there’s a little extra screen time or a spontaneous treat, that’s okay! Kids feel safest when some structure stays intact, even during unstructured time.

📚 Books + pretend play = magic. Language development doesn’t take a vacation, and one-on-one playtime with your child is a powerful learning tool. Storytime, role-playing, and imaginative play are not only fun but also build vocabulary, narrative skills, and social-emotional understanding. Some of our favorite moments happen when my daughter is “cooking” up imaginary soup or reading to her stuffed animals.

So, if you're looking ahead to spring break with a mix of excitement and dread—you’re not alone. Let’s embrace the chaos, enjoy the cuddles, and remember that good enough is truly good enough. The time spent together is enough in itself. Don’t overthink it and let yourself slow down a little too and just enjoy.

👉 Follow along on Instagram @speechandlanguagecenter for more tips, behind-the-scenes peeks, and real-life strategies from our incredible team!