Here are some tips to help your children stay relaxed during the school break:

Discuss your holiday plans well in advance and include your children in the planning process. It is vital to keep children informed about current happenings in the family and what activity is likely to be coming up. Children can become bewildered at what's happening around them. Explaining the plans will give them a chance to prepare themselves for the activities. Constant change of plans or last minute decisions will increase potential for stress.

Organize holiday activities and attractions that will keep them entertained. Some children may enjoy team sports or social events while others may prefer to participate in solitary activities. Point out your children's strengths and encourage them to find activities that help to nurture them.

Do not over-schedule your children. Select the most significant events and cut back on the ones that are likely to overwhelm them. Keep your plans simple. A family outdoor activity such as an outing to the local park or arrange a picnic will be fun for everyone. You can also pick a specific activity such as kite flying, swimming or ice-skating.

During the holidays, children will find their routines disrupted. Stick to your normal practice as much as possible. Changing your timetable to fit in holiday activities can be tough on you and your children. Try to keep bedtimes and mealtimes the same even when you are away from home.

One of the problems during the holidays for children is poor eating habits and nutrition. During the break, schedules tend to get disorganized and it is difficult to get children to settle down to eat properly. They may skip healthy meals, grab less healthy snacks and forego the next meal. Cook a nutritious meal and plan at least one healthy meal each day for your children so that they get the right diet.

Members of the family, especially children need to take a "time out" over the holiday to rest and relax. Make sure your children get plenty of rest. A well-rested child will be much happier than one who is in desperate need of a nap. While it may be exciting to stay up late during the holidays, lack of sleep causes irritability, moodiness and health problems. As parents, make sure you take care of yourself as well. Try to avoid getting overloaded with obligations. Not only it will raise your stress level, it will also increase the pressure and tension on your children.

Laughter is a good way to reduce stress. Spend some time reading a funny storybook or comics to your children. Share funny jokes with your children or play a game with them. You can even have a role-playing session with them.

As you enjoy the holidays with your family members, do your best to limit stress. Be adaptable and flexible. You can help yourself and your children to relax and enjoy the break. Let's make it a wonderful and memorable occasion for all!