9 tips for improving family life during the holidays
The holidays can be a gift… or a source of chaos. Suddenly, the whole family shares more time, more space, and more "what do we do now?" moments.
If you've ever felt like your living room has become a battlefield, don't worry: it's happened to us too 😜
The good news is that with a few practical and realistic ideas, you can improve your home life during the summer. We're sharing 9 tips to help you achieve this without losing your cool (or your sense of humor).
1. Establish flexible routines
Even if we're on vacation, having a basic structure for the day helps a lot: having breakfast together (if possible, sitting at the table and sharing without rushing), planning a creative activity in the morning, getting outside for a while, and setting aside time to rest during "the heat" time.
Routines don't have to be strict, but they do have to be consistent: they provide security and reduce conflict.
2. Create a space for play and creativity
Dedicating an area of the house to free play or artistic activities helps channel energy and encourages independence. All you need is a table, safe and easy-to-gather materials, and a little inspiration.
You can refresh the materials each week to maintain interest in the activity.
3. Let boredom appear (yes, really)
Boredom isn't the enemy: it's also the driving force of creativity. When nothing's planned, that's when invented games, improvised costumes, and the craziest drawings emerge.
You don't have to be busy all day!
4. Promotes movement... even at home
Calm body, calm mind. But sometimes we can't get out to the park, and energy builds up. Indoor movement games (such as soft balls or bouncing balls) help release tension without endangering lamps or partying with the neighbors. 
5. Involve the little ones in the tasks
It's scientifically proven that sharing responsibilities, even small ones, strengthens a sense of belonging. Preparing the weekly menu, setting the table, organizing toys, watering the plants... They can all be part of the "game" if we give them autonomy and let them contribute ideas.
Eating some junk food they suggest once a week isn't so bad either!
6. Spend individualized time
Even if you have several siblings or a lot of family plans, setting aside one-on-one time with each little one makes all the difference.
A little time to read together , put together a puzzle, or simply chat without interruption strengthens family bonds and improves the overall atmosphere.
7. Take care of yourself too
Because when you're feeling good, everything flows better. Find time to unwind, even if it's just for 10 minutes over a cup of coffee while your little one paints.
If you mutually respect these moments, your coexistence becomes more respectful and conscious.
8. Active listening and empathy
When there's tension or anger (which there will be 😅), stop for a moment and really listen to what they're feeling (even if it seems like a minor drama), because it helps them calm down a lot.
Phrases like “I understand you’re angry” or “I can see you’re having a hard time waiting” validate their emotions without justifying everything.
9. Plan together (and with options)
Involving children in planning their days improves their attitude and reduces complaints. You can offer them simple choices such as:
- 🏞️ Go to the park or 🎨 do crafts
- 📖 Read a story or 🧱 build with blocks
- 🍉 Prepare a snack together or ✂️ create a collage with clippings
Giving them a voice in decisions makes them feel good, and that changes the tone of the whole family.
🎒 Creative and calming resources for the holidays
If you're looking for ideas to encourage quiet play, screen-free creativity, and indoor movement, Cucutoys has prepared a special selection for these days:
- Safe and fun art materials for different ages (markers, crayons, finger paint, etc.)
- Soft and quiet games to move around inside the house
- Portable activities to take to the park, on a trip, or to your grandparents' house
Everything is designed to help you create beautiful moments… without going crazy.
