Finding Rhythm During School Breaks
Soak Up the Small Moments: Purpose in every pace
By Dana Re, M.A., BCBA
Clinical Director, Children’s Specialized ABA
When the final bell rings for a long school break, it usually brings a wave of excitement. Any vacation or break can be a welcome relief. But for families navigating autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related behavioral needs, losing the routine of the classroom can feel scary.
Going from a highly structured environment to an open schedule at home is a big shift. It can be tough for both kids and parents. By learning why this change brings up big feelings, you can create a gentle, easy flow at home to help keep your child on track without losing the progress they made during the school year.
The Comfort of Knowing What Comes Next
School routines give a sense of predictability. In a classroom setting, children understand exactly what comes next and in what order. They know that circle time leads to sensory play, which leads to lunch, and then to recess.
When school is out of session, that framework vanishes. Suddenly, having too much “free time” can feel confusing instead of relaxing. Without a clear plan, the day can feel overwhelming. Many kids struggle with sudden transitions because knowing what to expect brings them comfort. When they cannot see their day mapped out, stress levels naturally go up.
Trading the “School Schedule” for a “Home Rhythm”
To help your child feel grounded, you do not need to turn your home into a rigid, hour-by-hour classroom. Instead, aim to trade the school schedule for a comforting “home rhythm.” You can build a predictable, reassuring routine using a few simple tips:
- Keep Mornings and Nights the Same: Keep your morning and nighttime routines as consistent as possible. This means waking up, getting dressed, and eating breakfast in the same order every day. Even if you sleep in a bit later, keeping the steps the same brings quick comfort. At night, stick to a predictable, calming routine like bath, book, then bed.
- Use Visual Tools: Kids do great when they can see their day. Use simple morning picture checklists for daily tasks. For free time, try a “choice board”.
A choice board can be a simple card with pictures or drawings of things they can do, like blocks or puzzles. It helps them choose an activity without feeling overwhelmed. - Keep Mealtimes Steady: Try to serve lunch and snacks at roughly the same times every day. This keeps their energy steady and offers natural, predictable checkpoints throughout the afternoon.
Celebrating the “Mini-Milestones”
A long break is a perfect time to practice skills in a fun, low-pressure way. Do not worry about huge changes. Focus on small, weekly goals instead. For instance, you might set a weekly goal to practice one small thing to practice each week. This could be trying one bite of a new food or practicing a self-help skill like zipping a jacket.
Pair these goals with positive reinforcement. When your child hits a small goal, reward them with a fun activity they love, like extra sensory play or a special trip. Breaking things down into tiny steps keeps learning fun and stress-free.
A Caregiver Pep Talk
Enjoy the slower pace of the break. Do not feel like you have to fill every single day with activities. Instead, focus on just one big, fun outing a week, like a trip to the beach, a visit to the zoo, or an afternoon at the aquarium.
Making Space for Unstructured Fun
Outside of scheduled activities, let your child use their time to explore and expand their imaginations. Give them simple items like art supplies, bubbles, and sensory bins. When the weather is nice, playing outside is a great way to help them stay calm and regulated. Running through a sprinkler, splashing in a small pool, or chasing bubbles can bring a lot of joy.
Whenever possible, prepare your child ahead of time, especially if they are easily overwhelmed by loud noises. Having a clear plan for attending community events and finding a quiet zone helps your child feel safe and in control.
Prioritizing Self-Care for Caregivers
Most importantly, remember to go easy on yourself. Being a parent or caregiver is an incredibly hard job. You do not need to be perfect, and you do not need to keep your child busy every single second. Focus on small, happy moments together, keep your main routines steady, and let go of the pressure. Give yourself permission to slow down and enjoy the moments.
