School Holidays: A Hidden Challenge for Families

Making a Difference When School’s Out 

For most kids, the school holidays are something to get excited about, no homework, sleeping in, maybe a trip to the beach or a week at summer camp. But for some families in our churches and community, the holidays bring a different kind of stress that often goes unnoticed. 

You might be surprised to learn that plenty of families are quietly struggling when school breaks hit. It’s easy to assume everyone’s off on holidays or enjoying downtime, but the reality for some is quite different. 

What’s Really Going On? 

 When holidays roll around, parents suddenly need to cover all those extra meals for almost two months. For families already stretched thin, that’s a massive jump in the grocery bill. 

Then there’s the childcare puzzle. Not every parent can take time off work, many are juggling multiple jobs with zero flexibility. Childcare is not always accessible to all families, so some families have no choice but to rely on older siblings to watch younger ones. An older sibling looking after their younger sibling all day isn’t ideal, but for some families, it’s the only option that keeps food on the table. 

School provides more than just education. It’s consistency, safety and something to do. When that disappears for weeks on end, the gap can feel huge. 

What Can Your Youth Ministry Do? 

Here’s the good news: you don’t need a massive budget or months of planning to make a real difference. Start small, even focusing on one kid or one family can have a huge impact. 

Simple Ideas That Work: 

Stretch Your Family Plans Heading to the beach, the pool, or park? Could you invite along a young person’s family from your youth group who might otherwise be stuck at home? Even one day out can be a highlight of their holidays. 

Plug Into What’s Happening Check what free activities your local council other churches are running. If your church isn’t running holiday events this year, compile a list of trusted churches in your area that are and share it with families in your church and community. 

Rethink your Sunday mornings during the Break and Create Space for Youth  

Youth often disappear during the holidays because there’s nothing specifically for them. What if you designated a room or outdoor area where they could hang out after church? Stock it with board games, a speaker for music, maybe some snacks. You don’t need a structured program, just a youth leader or two hanging around creating a welcoming space. Sometimes the best youth ministry happens in these informal moments. 

Support Parents with Resources Send parents some helpful resources to equip them during the holidays. Whether it’s a book recommendation, a podcast, or practical tips for managing screen time, small gestures can make a big difference in helping families thrive. 

Looking Ahead 

With summer holidays just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to think about how your youth ministry could make a difference during the downtime. Could you adapt what you’re already doing to welcome more families during the break? Could you partner with another church to share resources and ideas? 

Pray for: 

• Youth and families to get real rest and a break from their schedules.  

• Families who are struggling to find practical help and encounter Jesus’ love 

• Working parents balancing everything during the holidays 
• Young people with nothing to do, that they’d find good friends, fun activities, and caring church communities. 
• Youth Leaders to find rest and renewal.