How to Keep Kids Happy, Studying & Off Screens This Summer

☀️ Welcome to the Chaos, AKA Kids School Holidays.

It’s that magical time of the year again when alarm clocks take a break, the fridge is always empty, and your kids are suddenly professional screen zombies.

If you’re a working parent or even a stay-at-home one in the UAE, here’s a virtual hug. You’re not alone.

Let’s talk about how to balance screen time, stay a little in touch with studies, and still have some actual fun this school vacation — without losing your mind (or your Wi-Fi password).

🎮 1. The “Screen Time Monster” Is Real

So your child said, “Just 10 minutes of iPad,” and it’s suddenly been 3 hours, and their eyes look like they’ve seen all 12 seasons of everything.

Reality check: Screens aren’t evil — but too much of them? Not great.

💡 How to Set Screen Time Limits:

• Use built-in timers (and actually stick to them)
• Create a screen-for-screen deal: “30 mins iPad = 30 mins book”
• Boredom is okay — kids need to learn to be bored sometimes

“Screens are like dessert — awesome in moderation, a disaster if it’s the only thing on the menu.”

📚 2. Vacation = No School, But Not No Learning

Look, we’re not saying bring out algebra textbooks. But some basic study touchpoints keep the brain running.

👇 Try These:

• Daily 20-minute revision time (you can even bribe them with ice cream)
• Educational apps (yep, there are a few good ones)
• Let them read something fun — comics, stories, even a cookbook!

“The goal isn’t academic pressure — it’s brain-keeping.”

🤹 3. Make It Fun, Not Fancy

Vacations don’t have to be expensive trips or non-stop entertainment.

Kids actually love simple things — if you’re doing it with them.

🛠️ Easy Fun Activities at Home:

• Cooking class (aka: make pancakes and let them make a mess)
• DIY crafts from toilet rolls (Pinterest parents, assemble!)
• Family movie night with popcorn and PJs
• Mini “home camping” in the living room

“They’ll remember the burnt cookies more than the perfect photos.”

🧘 4. Give Yourself a Break Too

This isn’t just a blog for parenting tips during school holidays — it’s also your reminder that you’re not a machine.

• Order takeout without guilt
• Let the house be messy sometimes
• Say yes to cartoons if it buys you 30 minutes of peace

“Good parenting isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence (and patience. Lots of it.)”

🧠 Bonus Tip: Create a Daily Routine (That Isn’t Boring)

Kids need structure — but not the military kind.
Make a simple daily schedule that includes:

• Wake up & chores
• Study/revision time
• Fun activity
• Screen time (with limit)
• Outdoor walk or play
• Chill/family time

Stick it on the fridge. Call it “The Summer Plan.” Make it sound cool.

👀 Final Word from One Tired But Hopeful Parent to Another:

Vacations can be fun, crazy, frustrating, and hilarious — all at once.

Some days you’ll nail it. Some days, screens will win. And that’s okay.

Because in the end, it’s not about the “perfect” vacation — it’s about the memories you make in the mess.

Hang in there, parent. You’re doing amazing. 💪