Children’s mental well-being during school holidays Play is a critical part of normal growth and development. School holidays provide time for children and young people to play, to be creative and to just have fun all of which are important for the mental health of young people.

Dr Chido Rwafa-Madzvamutse-Mental Wellness

As discussed in previous articles, mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which an individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a meaningful contribution to their community.

School holidays provide a welcome break from regular routines for children and young people, giving time for rest and relaxation. 

The changes in routine and excessive unscheduled free time of the holidays can, however, bring challenges to the mental health of children and young people.

What are the mental health benefits of school holidays for children?

Physical and mental rest

School holidays allow for easier morning routines, change from the regimental schedules of school and this allows opportunities for children and young people to rest physically and mentally.

More time to play

Play is a critical part of normal growth and development. School holidays provide time for children and young people to play, to be creative and to just have fun all of which are important for the mental health of young people.

Time to connect with family

School holidays can be opportunities for children and young people to reconnect with their parents and extended family, building crucial social bonds outside of their school life and strengthening their social support systems.

Reduced stress and pressure from school and academics Children also feel stress and pressure to perform well in school activities and school holidays offer a much needed break from this pressure.

Opportunities to learn from experiences outside of school. School holidays allow time for learning opportunities outside of the formal school environment such as time spent with grandparents, visiting a family rural home or planned family vacations.

How can school holidays challenge children’s mental health?

 Free unscheduled and unsupervised time that can increase the risk of harmful or risky behaviour. 

 Excessive screen time and time spent on digital technologies. 

 Feeling “bored” and unproductive. 

 Excessive time spent with siblings as well as bickering and quarrelling between siblings 

 Not being involved in holiday plans, being “dragged along” in parents’ plans

 Feeling isolated and alone due to being separated from their friends and peers from school. 

Helping children maintain their mental well-being during school holidays

 Allow children and adolescents some time to actually rest. Children are often over-scheduled and so busy during the school term and there is a need to ensure they get adequate time to rest during holidays. 

 Involve children in holiday planning to give them some sense of autonomy and self-determination. 

 Make time for authentic family connection, family communication and bonding. 

 Encourage daily self-care routines and age appropriate self-reflection. 

 Encourage daily physical exercise

 Limit screen time and time on digital technology gadgets. They may seem like easy baby sitters but excessive screen time is detrimental to the mental well-being of children. 

 Encourage creative play and create opportunities for children to just have fun. 

 Be alert and be involved with children during their free time, holidays can sadly create opportunities for experimentation with alcohol and substance use and other risky behaviours if children are left unattended or unsupervised.

 Remember, as much as we parents may be struggling to juggle different responsibilities during the holidays, children are precious gifts and parents/caregivers should not say words or act in a manner that makes children feel like a burden, an interruption or a nuisance during the holidays.

If you think that you or a young person that you know may be struggling with a mental health problem, please contact your nearest health care provider and get help.

Association of Healthcare Funders of Zimbabwe (AHFoZ) article written by Dr Chido Rwafa Madzvamutse, Consultant Psychiatrist.

Feedback: Dr Chido Rwafa Madzvamutse Whatsapp+263714987729) (www.ahfoz.org ; [email protected])

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