The Ultimate Summer Survival Checklist for Parents

The Ultimate Summer Survival Checklist for Parents

Snacks? Check. Sunscreen? Check.
Sanity? We’ve got you.

 

Because six weeks with the kids is… a lot.

 

The summer holidays are here — and whether you're feeling excited, exhausted or somewhere in between, you're not alone. At Stix, we know how rewarding (and relentless) this time of year can be. So we’ve created a simple checklist to help you make it through with your sanity intact.

 

This isn't about cramming your days with Pinterest-perfect crafts. It's about small, doable wins that give you — and your child — moments of calm, connection and quiet.

 

Inside our Ultimate Summer Survival Checklist, you'll find:

 

✅ 1. Activities That Actually Give You 10 Minutes of Peace

 

✅ 2. Ways to Wind Down Without Screen Time

 

✅ 3. Stix App Hacks for a Calmer Summer

 

✅ 4. Our Top 5 Stix Activities for Summer

 


✅ 1. Activities That Actually Give You 10 Minutes of Peace

Let’s be honest — “independent play” is the holy grail. These ideas buy you a little breathing space:

  • A mindfulness activity from the Stix

  • “Draw your dream holiday” challenge

  • Sensory play with rice or kinetic sand

  • Set up a reading nook with snacks and a timer

  • Build-it challenge; For example, 'build a robot out of cereal boxes in 5 minutes'

 


✅ 2. Ways to Wind Down Without Screen Time

Screens have their place, but if you’re looking for calm before bed (or a meltdown), try:

  • A simple breathing exercise together (like ‘bubble breathing’)

  • Guided mindfulness with Stix Remotes

  • Nature walk → then journal one thing you saw. Play I-Spy on the way to help them connect with whats around them!

  • Quiet music and drawing after lunch

 


✅ 3. Stix App Hacks for a Calmer Summer

Make the most of your Stix this summer with these quick wins:

  • Use “Calm Time” after lunch to help everyone reset

  • Let your child pick an activity each morning — gives them ownership

  • Use the “Sleep Wind-Down” activities if bedtimes are a battle

  • Set a routine with one Stix activity a day — no pressure, just rhythm

 


✅ 4. Our Top 5 Stix Activities for Summer

  • Balance – A fun and interactive challenge that gets kids moving and focusing at the same time. Great for energy bursts and concentration.

 

  • Mindful Boxing – The ultimate energy release. Helps children let it all out in a safe, mindful way — perfect for high-energy moments.

 

  • Melting to Sleep – A bedtime favourite. Gently guides your child into a calm, relaxed state, ready for sleep (and maybe even a lie-in).

 

  • Bubble Popping – Fun, fast, and oddly satisfying. Helps kids practise focus and timing while staying fully present.

 

  • Mindful Listening – Encourages deep listening by identifying sounds coming from the Stix. Take it outdoors on your walks to tune into birdsong, footsteps, or rustling leaves — it turns everyday moments into mindfulness practice.

 

 


You’ve Got This 💛

Parenting through the summer isn’t about being perfect, it’s about finding what works for your family, celebrating small wins, and giving yourself a whole lot of grace.


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