Half-term survival mode: does anyone actually enjoy it?

[GlowWithBalance]

We’re halfway through the break and I’m honestly wondering if I’m the only one who finds half-term more draining than fun. Every year I start with good intentions — day trips, crafts, baking — and by Wednesday I’m completely over it.
The weather’s unpredictable, everywhere is crowded, and everything costs a small fortune. The kids seem permanently hungry or bored no matter what we do. I end up feeling guilty for not doing “enough,” even though I’m running around constantly.
Don’t get me wrong, there are nice moments, but the overall vibe feels more like survival mode than a holiday. Does anyone actually find half-term relaxing, or is it just chaos for everyone and we all pretend it’s “quality time”?

And I absolutely think some people with older kids have rose-tinted glasses when it comes to these things!

And I absolutely think that some people with younger kids think they have it far worse and others can’t possibly accurately remember things to compare.

Well we wouldn't know would we?! Not been there yet!

I definitely look back that way on the baby years.

But they’re your children?!
Why on earth do people have children if they don’t want to look after them and parent them?!
Honestly, I don’t understand.

@CurlyhairedAssassinshe’s going in Thursday and Friday, I like to spend 3 days in the holidays all together but fuck me today has been awful. My mum and partner have just had tense words too so I’m already sitting in bed stressed and anxious.

Nope.
I said earlier, I worked in a school looking after everyone else’s children and relished the break to actually be with my own.

Once again, why have children if they’re such a burden to look after? It’s baffling to me.

@rainbowstardropseveryone experiences things differently. I literally dedicate my life to children with severe mental health needs and adore my own children, they still do my head in during the school holidays. I wouldn’t change it, no one else looks after them but I do find it really, really hard sometimes. I’m not ashamed to be honest and wish more people were honest about how hard it can be xx

We are having a great one but mine are finally at the stage where we can stay at home without WW3 breaking out. We tend to have one bigger day out (eg trampolining, that sort of thing) and then other days more low-key or with smaller trips, eg a cafe trip when popping to the shops. DC2 just likes time to play with their toys and DC1 just likes time off school! I avoid theme parks and big attractions as they’re so expensive and mine don’t cope well with crowds. We also usually visit family (overnight) which breaks it up nicely.

I’ve been reading about the rise of two weeks at October half term as well. Seems god damn miserable to have two weeks now! I know that exams mean you can’t add it to the May half term and run the summer term longer and shift the summer holidays but I can’t help think it would preferable than an extra week now.

This sounds really intense, sending you solidarity ♥️.

I do empathise with those who find it difficult as we have had half terms from hell before now, had to plan every day like a military operation - AM Activity and PM Activity, etc - so we have definitely been there! Just got lucky this week….

I'm a teacher on mat leave so don't have the childcare issues. I love not having to do the school run! DS is knackered from the first half term of school so just need to mooch at home or have the odd low key playdate. It's only 5 days so manageable. Quite a lot of low key Autumn crafts and trails around us. We are doing about one more "day out" thing. I used to have about 2 days with DS at home until he was 3 and then one day so I miss that aspect now he's at school. Might get harder once he's older I appreciate!

I guess you'll have to be baffled then 🤣

This is one of my favourite school holidays though, as I love this time of year. Also lots to do, as others have said, including the weather being just autumnal enough for colorful walks etc.

Well clearly.
I still rest my case that why have children if looking after them is such a chore 🙄

We have a structure for each half term break- so Autumn means a short walk after breakfast, home for lunch, out in the afternoon for a drive to get hot chocolates or to a park, museum, kids event, soft play etc. Then a movie and duvets on the sofa, youngest with me while I cook dinner, then off to bed- the older 2 get to go to bed a little later on holidays. I'm a SAHM to 5 under 10 so I've got the hang of them over the years.

On weekends DH takes over so I can spend time with the older ones individually, even just for a food shop or an errand followed by a trip for cake and hot chocolate.

Half terms for us mean more freedom, saying yes and treats.

Oh come on, we have children for loads of reasons. Biological urge being the main one. That doesn't mean we aren't allowed to moan about it being hard sometimes. I love DD and I love my dog, but they're both a pain in the bum sometimes. I love DH but he pisses me off sometimes. Other people, not you it seems, are emotionally complex and can feel many things at once

Yep, that’s fine. But it’s still shit that people moan about having to look after their own children?

I hate holidays because I can’t bear both my children together. Apart they are nice children. Together they are horrific. I am a teacher as well but I dread school holidays.

Why is it shit? One of the posters you've responded to has children with complex needs. There was no way she could have planned for that and it sounds bloody hard. She's allowed to moan anonymously online

Overall, no. It's a hard slog and been out of routine is difficult for my son.

At least it's only one week and not two.

It depends. This half term my eldest has been home from university which has been really good. Sometimes (lets face it, most times) the weather is awful and it's miserable. We normally have one day out, one visit from grandparents, one little trip out for cake/ice cream in half term.

I do struggle with the money side of things though. As they get older their tastes are more expensive. I remember when feeding the ducks was the best thing ever. Not anymore though.

I have been off work for most of my kids’ two week half-term and we have done loads. I have enjoyed it all but my favourite day was the one where we sat on the sofa all morning then went to a local country park for a walk. It cost me £10 including parking.