Summer Routines for Older Children: Finding the Right Balance During the Holidays
The summer holidays are something many children look forward to all year. No early alarms, no homework, and plenty of time to relax. But for parents of tweens and teenagers, those long six weeks can quickly become a balancing act.
Unlike younger children who often enjoy structured activities and childcare, older children usually want more independence. They might spend more time sleeping, gaming, scrolling on their phones, or meeting friends. Whilst all of this is a normal part of growing up, it can sometimes leave parents wondering how to keep some routine without turning the summer into a constant battle.
The good news is that there isn’t a perfect formula. Summer doesn’t need to look like school, and children don’t need every hour planned. Instead, aim for balance. A little structure alongside plenty of downtime can help everyone enjoy the holidays a little more.
Here are some simple ways to create a healthy summer routine for older children, whilst making the most of the fantastic free activities available across Broxbourne.
Including our CHEXS Xtra sessions taking place over the summer holidays for young people ages 10-16 years old – BOOK HERE
Remember That Rest Is Important Too
After a busy school year filled with lessons, exams, clubs and social pressures, many young people genuinely need time to recharge. You may notice your tween or teen wanting longer lie-ins, quieter days or simply more time doing very little. Whilst it can feel frustrating watching them stay in bed until lunchtime, remember that growing bodies and developing brains need plenty of sleep.
Rather than worrying about every late morning, think about maintaining a reasonable rhythm instead.
For example:
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Encourage getting up by mid-morning rather than early afternoon.
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Keep regular mealtimes where possible.
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Try to maintain a similar bedtime rather than allowing sleep to drift completely into the early hours.
The aim isn’t military precision. It’s simply helping their body clock stay in a healthy place before September arrives.
Boredom Isn’t Always a Bad Thing
Many parents feel pressure to keep children entertained every minute of the day. In reality, boredom often creates the space for imagination, creativity and independence. When children immediately reach for a screen every time they feel bored, they miss opportunities to problem solve and discover new interests.
Instead of rushing to provide activities, try asking:
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“What could you do with the next hour?”
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“Is there something you’ve wanted to learn?”
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“Could you help cook tonight’s dinner?”
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“Fancy walking to the shops together?”
You might be surprised how quickly they begin finding their own ways to fill the time.
Some of the best summer memories often come from unplanned afternoons rather than expensive days out.
Finding a Healthy Balance with Screens
Let’s be honest, screens are part of everyday life. Whether it’s gaming, chatting with friends, watching videos or creating content, technology isn’t going away. The goal shouldn’t be eliminating screens altogether but finding a healthy balance. Rather than focusing purely on screen time, think about what else is happening during the day.
Ask yourself:
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Have they been outside today?
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Have they moved their body?
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Have they spoken to family?
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Have they eaten properly?
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Have they had some time away from their phone?
If the answer is yes to most of these, then several hours online becomes less of a concern.
Simple family agreements can also help:
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No phones during family meals.
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Screens off at least an hour before bed.
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Encourage charging phones outside bedrooms overnight if possible.
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Mix gaming with outdoor activities or family time.
Older children are much more likely to cooperate when they feel involved in setting expectations rather than simply being told the rules.
Keep Some Structure Without Filling Every Day
One of the biggest challenges during the holidays is finding the balance between freedom and routine. Too much structure can leave teenagers feeling controlled. Too little structure can result in endless scrolling, boredom and everyone becoming a little frustrated. A flexible weekly routine often works best.
For example:
Monday
A relaxed morning, household jobs, afternoon with friends.
Tuesday
Family walk, library visit or local activity.
Family walk, library visit or local activity.
Wednesday
Exercise or sports, free time afterwards.
Exercise or sports, free time afterwards.
Thursday
Help prepare dinner or try a new recipe.
Help prepare dinner or try a new recipe.
Friday
Film night or family games.
Film night or family games.
It doesn’t need to be complicated. Having a few anchor points each week gives children something predictable whilst still leaving plenty of room for spontaneous plans. Remember, summer holidays don’t need to be packed with expensive trips to create lasting memories.
Make the Most of Free Local Activities
One of the best things about living in Broxbourne is the fantastic range of free community activities available throughout the summer. Getting out of the house doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Junior parkrun
If your child is aged 4 to 14, Cheshunt Junior parkrun is a brilliant way to start a Sunday morning. The free 2km event encourages children to get active at their own pace, whether they choose to run, jog or walk. It’s welcoming, friendly and a great confidence booster.
Even older siblings often enjoy volunteering alongside parents, helping build leadership skills whilst giving something back to the community. Register HERE for a free Barcode
Lark in the Park
Broxbourne Borough Council’s Lark in the Park sessions return each summer with free activities across local parks.
From sports and games to crafts and family entertainment, they’re a fantastic opportunity to get children outdoors, meet friends and enjoy local green spaces.
Many sessions simply encourage children to play, something that becomes increasingly important as they get older. See more fun activities HERE
Love Cheshunt Outdoor Cinema
Looking ahead to 14th August, Love Cheshunt will once again be hosting its popular Outdoor Cinema at Grundy Park.
Pack a picnic blanket, bring some snacks and enjoy a family evening under the summer sky.
Events like these create shared memories without the pressure of expensive attractions and remind young people that spending time together can be just as enjoyable as spending time online.
Even something as simple as visiting a local park, walking along the New River, cycling together or enjoying an ice cream can break up long days at home.
Encourage Independence
Summer is a brilliant opportunity for older children to develop life skills. Without the pressures of school, there’s more time to build confidence through everyday responsibilities.
Depending on their age, encourage them to:
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Cook a family meal.
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Budget for a shopping trip.
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Walk the dog.
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Volunteer locally.
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Organise meeting friends safely.
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Learn to use public transport.
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Help younger siblings.
Giving children genuine responsibility helps prepare them for secondary school, sixth form, college and eventually adulthood. It also shows that you trust them, that trust often strengthens communication far more than constant reminders and rules. Parents sometimes worry about letting go, but independence doesn’t happen overnight. Summer offers the perfect opportunity to gradually increase responsibility whilst still being close enough to offer support.
Focus on Connection, Not Perfection
It’s easy to compare your summer with everyone else’s. Social media often shows exciting holidays, expensive attractions and picture-perfect family days. The reality is that most families have quiet days, messy kitchens, disagreements and children who occasionally say they’re bored. That’s completely normal.
What children often remember most isn’t the cost of the day out, but the small moments:
Cooking together.
Laughing over a board game.
Watching a film with popcorn.
Walking the dog.
Stopping for an ice cream after a bike ride.
Sitting in the garden chatting as the sun goes down.
Those moments build connection, and connection is one of the greatest protective factors for young people’s wellbeing. If your teenager feels listened to, respected and knows you’re available when they need you, you’re already doing an amazing job. This summer, don’t worry about creating the perfect holiday aim for balance.
Give your child space to rest, opportunities to be active, chances to connect with family and friends, and enough freedom to discover who they’re becoming. A little routine can provide reassurance, but flexibility leaves room for fun. And remember, making use of the wonderful free activities available across Broxbourne means you don’t need a big budget to make lasting summer memories.
At CHEXS, we know every family is different. Some days will go exactly to plan, while others won’t. That’s all part of family life. The important thing is creating a summer where everyone feels supported, connected and able to enjoy the break in their own way.
We hope you have a happy, healthy and balanced summer holiday.
