If there’s one topic that always sparks a passionate debate among parents, it’s the length of school holidays. Everyone seems to have an opinion, don’t they? Some are all for those long, sun-drenched weeks of freedom, while others are counting the days until the kids are back in school. I’ve been on both sides of the fence, and honestly, it depends on the time of year, how much caffeine I’ve consumed, and just how much noise I’ve had to endure over the past few days.

Let’s start with the obvious—holidays are a mixed bag. When the summer break hits, I think I’ll be the first to admit, I love the idea of having everyone around for a while. No school runs, no packed lunches, and no checking homework. We all get to sleep in a bit more, grab extra cups of coffee, and head off on little adventures, even if it’s just down to the beach for a walk or getting ice cream in the middle of the day. It’s a chance for the whole family to just breathe.

But let’s face it—after a few weeks, reality sets in. The kids are bored. There’s only so many times I can suggest doing a “fun” craft project before they start eyeing up the video games again. And then there’s the sibling bickering. Oh, the sibling bickering. It’s like they’re magnetically drawn to each other in moments of chaos, and before I know it, I’ve heard “Mommmmmmmm, he’s looking at me!” more times than I can count. And this, my friends, is when the countdown to school feels very real.

The thing is, I think there’s a fine line. While the holidays are essential for kids to unwind and enjoy a break from the classroom grind, the length of time can sometimes feel a little… excessive. They get too comfortable at home, and the idea of routine goes out the window. It’s not so much that I want the kids to be in school every single day (let’s be real, who would ever say that?), but I do believe balance is key. A shorter, more manageable break could give us all a chance to recharge, without hitting the point where I’m questioning my life choices after the fifteenth round of “Who ate the last biscuit?”

And here’s the other thing: when you’re a home-educating family, school holidays can feel a little different. I’m sure anyone else who home educates can relate to this – we don’t have the strict school schedule that most families follow, but we still enjoy taking breaks to focus on life beyond textbooks. But honestly, once we start getting into the weeks of “holiday mode,” I find that Harrison, Alexander, Benjamin, and Elizabeth all start to miss a bit of structure. They thrive on a little bit of routine, even if it’s loose. Without it, things can get a little… chaotic.

At the end of the day, though, I think we all have to find our own rhythm with it. Some parents love the long breaks, others prefer shorter ones. I’m somewhere in between—enough time to escape the grind of schoolwork, but not so much that I’m drowning in I’m bored! and sibling arguments. And maybe that’s the key – balance. A couple of weeks to relax and enjoy some time as a family, so we can all survive the next holiday break!