ShareMaking the Most of School Breaks with Your Nanny Kids
When I was a teacher, it felt like we were never on school break, but now that I’m a nanny, it seems like kids are always on school break! Funny how that works. While school breaks can be fun and refreshing, they also have a way of disrupting routines and leave us with long days to fill. As a nanny, here are some strategies I rely on to help navigate those days off with my elementary-aged charges.
Stick to Routines, but Be Flexible
School-aged kids thrive on routine. The predictable structure of their school days gives them a sense of security, and when that routine is disrupted, it can lead to big feelings. To help maintain some stability, try to keep familiar elements of their school routine in place—such as getting dressed, eating breakfast, and brushing teeth in the morning.
You’ll likely need to establish a different routine for school breaks. You can take inspiration from their weekend schedule or create a special routine chart just for days off (remember to make it visual and include them in creating both the routine and the chart). Can you keep some similarities to their school day, like eating lunch, resting, and getting fresh air at the times they’re used to? The key is to strike a balance between structure and flexibility. A routine that’s too rigid won’t allow for the spontaneous adventures school breaks can bring, but one that’s too loose may leave everyone feeling aimless and dysregulated.
In my experience, younger children tend to rely more heavily on routines, but all kids, no matter their age, benefit from having some structure during school breaks. It helps them feel grounded and ready for whatever the day holds.
Expect Sibling Squabbles
School breaks are often a time when sibling dynamics shift. If older siblings who are typically at school are now home for the day, it can change the entire household rhythm. With more time spent together, sibling disagreements are more likely to arise.
Use these moments as opportunities to reinforce conflict resolution strategies. At the start of each school break—especially during the longer vacations like summer—I always revisit our “Calm Down” wheels and “How to Solve a Problem” wheels. These tools are great for giving kids a visual reminder of how to manage their emotions and handle disagreements constructively.
I also lean on Positive Discipline strategies, which emphasize teaching children how to resolve conflicts rather than simply avoiding them. Remember: the goal isn’t to eliminate disagreements but to teach kids how to work through them safely and respectfully. As the conflict unfolds, use it as an opportunity to teach about feelings, emotional regulation, and meaningful apologies. If you’re not sure where to start, I highly recommend checking out A Bug & A Wish, a great resource for teaching children how to start problem solving on their own. Sibling conflict is going to happen regardless, so let’s appreciate the opportunity to teach resolution skills, instead of just stopping the fighting.
Embrace the Opportunity for Connection
One of the best things about school breaks is the extra time to connect with your nanny kids. My nanny kids both attend a rigorous school and participate in many after-school activities, so there are some days I only get to see them for a bit before or after their school day. I really try to soak up the extra time with them by keeping myself kid-focused and letting my household & family assistant tasks take a back seat. School breaks give us the chance to slow down and enjoy each other’s company.
School breaks can be a chance for an extra chunk of special time. Whether it’s tackling a fun craft project, trying a new recipe, or simply enjoying a long walk in the park, these breaks offer a valuable opportunity to bond. School breaks can also be a great chance to interact with others in your community – perhaps you can plan a playdate with some of your own nanny friends. Or, can you invite some school friends over for your nanny kids, so you can get to know their buddies? I have really enjoyed getting to know my nanny kids’ friends, and I feel more connected when I know who they are talking about when they share stories about their school day. Plus, it’s fun when I volunteer at their school and so many of the kids recognize me!
My current nanny charges have the day off this Friday, and I’m planning to teach them how to make beaded lizard lanyards — a nostalgic craft from my own childhood. I’ve already got some plans in the works for this summer, too. I’m particularly excited about a ferry ride & day trip to a nearby island for a visit to their children’s museum & ice cream shop. I’m not going to plan everything though – let’s include these kiddos when we brainstorm what we want to do over break! Not every day has to be absolutely incredible, but it’s these little projects, adventures, and shared moments that help me build deeper connections with the kids. The ones that we’ll remember!
Of course, it’s important to remind ourselves that it’s not our job to entertain kids 24/7. Independent play is just as important, and kids benefit from having time to explore their own interests. That said, offering opportunities for downtime is equally essential. Children need their own space to rest and decompress, just like we do.
Take Time for New Skills and Responsibilities
School breaks can also be an excellent time to introduce new skills or responsibilities. You could use this time to teach them how to complete a new skill or household contribution, like tying their shoes or making their bed. Or, team up with the family you work for and the child(ren) to refresh their calm-down spots. Are there any projects around the house that you can all pitch into together, like cleaning out the playroom or pulling out outgrown clothing or shoes for donation? Contributing to the household builds self-esteem and important life skills.
If you’re working with older kids, a school break can be the perfect opportunity to let them take the lead on planning a day or outing. Allow them to choose one activity or day from your brainstorm list, and support them as they plan and research. Giving them the freedom to pick the activity fosters a sense of autonomy and agency – they really buy-in and love to be “in charge.”
An added bonus is the valuable executive functioning skills they’ll practice – making realistic plans, scheduling your time, packing snacks and lunches, checking bus or ferry schedules, or budgeting their own money for a souvenir or treat. These are all important life skills that we’re here to teach and that they need to learn! And if things don’t go as planned, it’s a great opportunity to learn from natural consequences and to practice our flexibility and resilience.
Final Thoughts: Quality Time and Special Memories
I truly appreciate the opportunity to spend extra time with my nanny kids during school breaks. It’s a chance to slow down, enjoy their company, strengthen our connection, and create special memories together. While it’s important to keep a routine and offer fun activities, it’s equally important to remember that school vacations are a time for everyone to relax, recharge, and reconnect.
What about you? How do you spend time with your nanny kids during school breaks? I’d love to hear your ideas for making the most of these special days!
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