Spring is just around the corner, and there’s something about sunny, 75-degree weather that instantly lifts our mood. While kids are busy counting down the days until Spring Break, parents are often wondering how to fill an entire week without school. Beyond just enjoying the last bit of cool Texas weather before summer hits, spring break is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with your child.
Think about it—your school-aged kiddo has just about two months left before summer break, meaning both of you have officially made it through more than half the school year. School brings its fair share of stress into the home, so I challenge you to use this time to focus on fun, connection, and quality time together. And here’s the catch: no talk of homework, extracurriculars, college applications, or anything school related. This break is about celebrating your relationship with your kiddo.
Here are five ideas on ways to reconnect with your child:
1. Ask Them About the Drama!
As the kids would say, spill the tea! Showing genuine interest in their social life lets them know you care about all aspects of their world, not just their academics.
Pro Tip: Use open-ended questions to invite a relaxed conversation. Avoid leading questions or inserting your own biases—just listen with genuine curiosity!
2. Plan A Special Date
Carving out intentional one-on-one time shows your child they matter. Life is busy, and it’s easy to get caught up in the daily chaos, so let this be an opportunity for both of you to pause the other life stuff. Let your child help plan a few activities you can do together. Maybe it’s going out for ice cream at Amy’s, playing mini golf at Peter Pan Mini Golf or having a movie night at home with their favorite snacks.
3. Have A Dance Party
If you notice your child glued to a screen or constantly on the go with their social life, a dance party can be a quick and fun way to reconnect! Pick a song you both love, turn up the volume, and dance it out. As parents, it’s easy to get stuck in the down-to-business mode, but showing your playful side reminds your child that you know how to let loose too!
4. Unplug And Get Outside
Nature is a great way to step away from emails, school stress, and screen time. Take a walk around the neighborhood (with a “no devices allowed” rule), plan a hike at Enchanted Rock or Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area, just lay in the grass and cloud-watch, or go out to Common Fords and take a dip.
Pro Tip: Make it a game to encourage more buy in from your child. Try “I Spy,” go on a scavenger hunt, or see who can find the weirdest-looking tree.
5. Create Something Together
Shared activities take the pressure off of deep conversations. Building Legos, painting, baking, or even designing something cool in Minecraft are fun and low-pressure ways to spend time with each other. You don’t always have to ask your child how they are feeling to understand them. Simply being present with them can be enough.
I hope this list inspires you to make the most of spring break with your child! You could even start by showing them these ideas and letting them pick their favorites. Reconnection is about reminding both of you that your relationship is more than just school, schedules, and responsibilities. Hope this spring brings you and your child more joy and laughter!
