Six weeks of summer holidays sound like freedom — but for children's friendships, they can be a real test. Three weeks of vacation here, two weeks of holiday childcare there, and suddenly best friends haven't seen each other for six weeks. For primary school children, that can mean: in September, the social fabric starts almost from scratch.
It doesn't have to be that way. With a bit of planning, friendships stay intact over the summer — and can even grow stronger.
Why the Summer Holidays Are Critical
Six Weeks Without Structure
During the school year, children see each other every day. The friendship runs on autopilot — through break-time games, shared projects, and the walk to school. In the holidays, that structure disappears. Children who don't actively arrange to meet quickly lose touch.
Different Holiday Schedules
Family A is away in July, Family B in August. Family C is staying home but has three weeks of holiday childcare. The overlap of shared free days is often small — unless you actively look for it.
Holiday Childcare ≠ Seeing Friends
Many children spend the holidays in after-school clubs, daycare, or summer camps. They meet other children there — but not necessarily their school friends. Holiday childcare fills the supervision gap, not the friendship gap.
What Parents Can Do
1. Plan Before the Holidays
The last week of school is the ideal moment to plan holiday get-togethers. Talk to other parents:
- "When are you around this summer?"
- "Shall we do something together in the first week of holidays?"
- "Can the kids meet up in August when we're both here?"
If you use a play group on spielmit.eu, enter your holiday availability in the weekly schedule — or use day overrides to mark vacation absences. Other families can instantly see when you're available.
2. Establish Holiday Rituals
Agree on a regular rhythm with one or two families:
- Playground meetup every Tuesday
- Taking turns hosting every two weeks
- One trip to the swimming pool together during the holidays
Regularity is even more important during the holidays than usual, because the everyday structure is missing.
3. Create Shared Holiday Experiences
Playdates during the holidays can be different from a school-day afternoon. More time, more possibilities:
- Full-day playdate: From morning to afternoon — with lunch
- Outing for two: Zoo, swimming pool, climbing park, lake
- Sleepover: A real adventure for children from age 6–7
- Shared project: Building a treehouse, selling lemonade, making a film
These experiences create memories that carry the friendship through the summer.
4. Keep It Low-Key
Not every get-together needs to be an event. Sometimes all it takes is:
- Getting ice cream together
- An hour at the playground
- Playing in the garden together
The less effort involved, the more often it happens.
5. Build Digital Bridges
For primary school children who don't have their own smartphone yet, parents are the communication bridge. Stay in contact with the other parents — even when there's no specific playdate planned:
- A quick "How are you? Should the kids meet up this week?" message
- Sharing photos of shared experiences (with consent, of course)
- Discuss the next playdate right at pick-up
Typical Holiday Scenarios and How They Fit Together
| Situation | Solution |
|---|---|
| Both families go on holiday, but at different times | Plan playdates before the holidays and for the overlapping weeks |
| One child is in holiday childcare, the other isn't | Use afternoons or weekends |
| Staying home, but friends are all away | Make new connections: neighborhood children, playground acquaintances |
| Child is bored despite a full schedule | Play ideas for home — sometimes boredom is okay too |
After the Holidays: Ease Back In
The first week back at school after summer is similar to starting school: children need to find their footing again. Those who stayed in touch during the holidays start with an advantage. But for everyone else:
- Organize a playdate in the first week back
- Ask at the parent evening: what was the class dynamic like before the holidays?
- Let children share what they did during the holidays — and who they missed
Conclusion
Summer holidays don't have to be a friendship killer — if parents plan actively. A regular rhythm, shared experiences, and low-key get-togethers keep connections alive. And with a play group on spielmit.eu, you can see at a glance which families are available during the holiday weeks — without endless back-and-forth messages.
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