Creating stress-free breaks for children

In today's fast-paced, performance-driven world, children are increasingly caught in a whirlwind of academic demands, extracurricular activities, and social pressures. Amid this, the humble "break" — whether during school hours or after — is often undervalued or misused. Yet, a stress-free break is not a waste of time. It is a vital opportunity for mental refreshment, emotional reset, and healthy socialisation.

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As schools and parents strive to raise well-rounded, resilient children, the focus must shift toward designing breaks that genuinely help children unwind and recharge. A break should not be just a pause in routine — it should be a space for freedom, creativity, and relaxation.

Many school breaks are too short, too structured, or too chaotic to serve their intended purpose. Some schools reduce playtime to make room for academic work. Others offer play areas devoid of greenery or stimulation. Even after-school breaks are often replaced by tuitions, screen time, or scheduled activities, leaving little room for free exploration or rest.

In such an environment, children may return from breaks still mentally fatigued or emotionally agitated, undermining their ability to focus and learn. Breaks that fail to de-stress defeat their very purpose.

For a break to be truly refreshing, it must meet the emotional and developmental needs of children. These include: