Child's hand holding little finger of adult's hand

When the Structure Falls Away: What Really Happens in Week 1 of the Holidays

Summer Rhythms
July 22, 2025•1 min read

The school term has ended, and suddenly everything feels… odd. The old routines are gone, your child is pushing for more freedom, and you might find yourself crashing in ways you didn’t expect. This week, we’re talking about the real experience of the first week of the holidays — the physical, emotional, and logistical wobble that often gets missed.

You’ll hear:

  • Why the nervous system often crashes after term ends

  • What your child’s testing behaviour might really mean

  • How to respond without reimposing rigid rules

  • A personal story of letting go, softening, and just-about-getting-there

  • Gentle ways to steady the ship — without forcing false structure

This episode is a reminder: you’re not doing it wrong. The rhythm will return — but first, allow the recalibration.

Links mentioned:
🧭 FREE GUIDE: 5 Tiny Shifts to Help Your Child Feel Safer — Without Losing Your Calm or Your Confidence
✨ Support the vision for sustainable family support

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Understanding people has always been a passion of mine, and becoming a parent made that understanding even more real. My counselling training helped me explore the emotional challenges of parenting — not perfectly, but with more presence, compassion, and clarity. Now I run a social enterprise supporting families through group work, counselling, and digital learning.

Emma Reed

Understanding people has always been a passion of mine, and becoming a parent made that understanding even more real. My counselling training helped me explore the emotional challenges of parenting — not perfectly, but with more presence, compassion, and clarity. Now I run a social enterprise supporting families through group work, counselling, and digital learning.

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