The Importance of Rest Over Half Term

As a former teacher, I used to see the same pattern play out every term. The last few weeks would arrive, and children—no matter how resilient or enthusiastic—would start to flag. Tempers would fray, concentration would dip, and the smallest setbacks could trigger tears. Parents would tell me their children were “just done,” and I completely understood.

Then half term would roll around, and many families would dive straight into a packed schedule: playdates, day trips, activities, clubs, and outings—filling every spare moment to “make the most of it.” It’s easy to feel that pressure, especially when social media is full of smiling faces at museums or pumpkin patches. But here’s the truth: children don’t need a full itinerary to thrive over half term. What they need—what we all need—is rest.

Why Rest Matters

School life, even at its best, is demanding. Children spend their days navigating routines, rules, relationships, and responsibilities. They concentrate, collaborate, and often mask how tired or overwhelmed they feel to keep up with expectations.

That constant demand on their attention and emotional regulation takes a toll. Rest isn’t just a luxury—it’s a biological and psychological necessity. It gives the brain space to process what’s been learned, repair emotional fatigue, and reset for the next phase of growth. Without genuine rest, children (and parents) start the next term already depleted.

The Many Types of Rest

When we think of rest, we tend to picture sleep or lounging on the sofa—but true rest takes many forms. Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith describes seven types of rest, and though not all apply directly to children, the idea holds: different kinds of fatigue require different kinds of rest.

Physical rest might mean sleeping in, having a slow morning, or enjoying a gentle walk.

Emotional rest can come from talking through worries or simply having a day where nothing is expected of you.

Creative rest might be building a den, daydreaming, or making up a story.

Sensory rest means quiet, low-stimulation spaces with soft lighting and calm surroundings.

When we offer a variety of restful experiences—quiet time, unstructured play, outdoor moments, cozy movie afternoons—we help children reset across all those domains.

The Pressure to Perform

There’s a subtle societal message that tells us rest equals waste. Parents feel pressure to make every day meaningful and memorable, especially during holidays. But this “pressure to perform” can actually undermine what children (and parents) need most: recovery time.

Structured activities and special outings have their place, of course. But constant stimulation can leave children even more frazzled. Sometimes, the best thing we can do for our families is to slow the pace, lower expectations, and let things unfold naturally.

It’s okay if your half term looks quiet. It’s okay if some days are spent in pyjamas. Those moments of stillness are where calm and connection start to grow again.

A Note on Neurodivergent Children

For neurodivergent children (those with ADHD, autism, or other differences) the need for rest can be even more pronounced.

School environments are often full of sensory overload: bright lights, constant noise, shifting social dynamics, and rigid schedules. For many neurodivergent pupils, simply getting through the day involves a huge amount of effort and masking.

By the end of term, they’re often running on empty.

Rest for these children might not look like typical “family time.” They may need extended periods alone, in familiar spaces, doing repetitive or comforting activities. That’s not avoidance—it’s self-regulation. Giving them permission to rest in the way their body and brain need is one of the most powerful acts of support we can offer.

The Screen Time Trap

Let’s talk about screens. They can be both a blessing and a curse when it comes to rest. On one hand, screens offer children a familiar form of downtime—a way to unwind, connect, and escape. But not all screen time is restorative.

When a child is gaming, watching fast-paced videos, or scrolling endlessly, their brain remains in a state of high stimulation. It may feel restful in the moment, but the nervous system is still active, flooded with dopamine and light exposure.

That doesn’t mean screens need to disappear completely; balance is key. Try to:

* Use screens intentionally (e.g. watching a film together, playing a creative game).

* Build in regular breaks.

* Encourage tech-free zones like mealtimes or bedtime routines.

The goal isn’t zero screen time; it’s helping children learn the difference between stimulation and true rest.

Building Rest into the Week

Rest doesn’t have to mean doing nothing; it means doing things that restore rather than drain. Some simple, low-pressure ideas include:

* Building a den or fort and having a picnic underneath.

* Nature walks without a set destination—just exploring.

* Creative play: painting, Lego, role play, or music.

* Family movie afternoons with blankets and snacks.

* Quiet mornings with no alarms or rushing.

* Reading corners or audiobooks in cosy spaces.

* Slow days where plans are flexible and optional.

You can even schedule unscheduled time; protect a few hours or a whole day where there’s nothing planned. It might feel strange at first, but children often fill that space beautifully once they know it’s truly theirs.

Signs of Overwhelm

Sometimes it’s hard to tell when a child truly needs rest versus when they’re simply bored. Here are a few subtle signs that might indicate they’re overwhelmed or overtired:

Emotional signs: tearfulness, irritability, sudden mood swings.

Physical signs: headaches, tummy aches, sleep disruption, frequent colds.

Behavioural signs: withdrawal, clinginess, restlessness, increased screen dependence, or meltdowns over small things.

These are often just the body’s way of saying, “I need a break.” Listening early can prevent bigger meltdowns later.

Final Thoughts: Rest as a Form of Growth

It can feel counterintuitive to do less when the world around us urges us to do more. But rest isn’t an indulgence; it’s an essential part of growth, learning, and connection.

When children are well-rested, they’re more curious, resilient, and emotionally available. They play better, learn better, and cope better. And when parents allow themselves to slow down too, the whole family benefits.

So, this half term, give yourself permission to rest. Cancel a plan or two. Stay in your pyjamas. Build that blanket fort. Let the days stretch and breathe a little.

Because rest isn’t the absence of progress; it’s what makes progress possible.