Supporting Routines During Winter Break—The Play-Based Way

The winter break is a magical time filled with family, festivities, and a welcome pause from the hustle of the school year. While the lack of early mornings and packed schedules feels wonderful, the sudden shift away from routine can sometimes lead to big feelings and behavioral challenges for children.

At Shooting Star Childcare, we understand the importance of predictability in a child’s world. While you want the break to be relaxing, maintaining a gentle structure helps children feel safe and secure, allowing everyone to truly enjoy the downtime.

Here is our play-based guide to keeping comforting routines without succumbing to rigidity this winter break.

Why Gentle Routines Matter

The goal isn't to replicate the school day at home, but to provide an anchor. Gentle routines offer:

• Security: Predictable patterns reduce anxiety because children know what to expect next.

• Cooperation: When transitions are predictable, children are often more cooperative because they feel in control.

• Rest: A consistent, albeit later, wake-up and bedtime help regulate mood and energy.

  
  

The Play-Based Approach: Routine Without Rigidity

How do you keep the comfort of routine while embracing the spontaneity of the holidays? You make it a game!

1. Embrace Predictable Rhythms, Not Strict Times

Instead of setting hard times, focus on the order of events.

Time-Based Routine	Rhythm-Based Routine (Flexible)
7:30 AM: Wake up, get dressed	Waking Rhythm: Wake up, change PJs, have breakfast.
1:00 PM: Nap/Quiet Time	Mid-Day Rhythm: Tidy up play area, read books, then free play/quiet time.
5:30 PM: Dinner	Evening Rhythm: Family activity/outside play, dinner, bath.

This rhythmic approach means if breakfast happens at 8:00 AM one day and 9:30 AM the next, the sequence of "Wake up $\rightarrow$ Change Clothes $\rightarrow$ Eat" remains the same, providing comfort.

2. Make Transitions Playful

Transitions—moving from one activity to the next—are the biggest hurdle during breaks. Turn them into a fun challenge!

• The Transition Song: Create a short, silly song (to the tune of "Jingle Bells" or "Twinkle Twinkle") that you sing every time it's time to clean up or get ready to go out.

• The Animal Walk: Announce, "Time to go to the car! We are going to walk like sloths today!" or "Time for bath! Can you crab-walk to the bathroom?"

• The Clean-Up Game: Set a timer for three minutes and pretend the toys are running away from a friendly monster (you!). See how many you can "save" into the toy bin before the timer rings.

3. Utilize Visual Cues

Visual aids are highly effective because they remove the need for constant verbal reminders, allowing your child to take ownership of their schedule.

• Routine Cards: Create simple laminated cards (or use drawings) illustrating key daily steps (e.g., a toothbrush for brushing, a bowl of cereal for breakfast, a picture of a book for quiet time).

• The "First/Then" Board: For activities your child resists (like cleaning up), use a simple visual board: "First: Put blocks away. Then: We can watch a movie." This manages expectations clearly.

• Bedtime Visual Chart: Post a simple chart showing the steps from PJs to lights out (PJs > Brush Teeth > Read 3 Books > Hugs > Sleep). Let your child move a marker down the list as they complete each step.

4. Schedule "Nothing"

A crucial part of a relaxed break routine is unscheduled time. Build at least two blocks of unstructured free play into your daily rhythm. This allows children to engage in their own play, fostering independence, creativity, and the ability to self-regulate. When a child can choose their activity, they are more settled during the structured parts of the day.

This winter break, remember that routine is about nurture, not necessity. By adopting a play-based approach with gentle rhythms, visual cues, and playful transitions, you can create a holiday season that is both joyful and predictable for your little star.