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:
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A mindfulness activity from the Stix
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“Draw your dream holiday” challenge
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Sensory play with rice or kinetic sand
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Set up a reading nook with snacks and a timer
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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:
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A simple breathing exercise together (like ‘bubble breathing’)
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Guided mindfulness with Stix Remotes
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Nature walk → then journal one thing you saw. Play I-Spy on the way to help them connect with whats around them!
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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:
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Use “Calm Time” after lunch to help everyone reset
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Let your child pick an activity each morning — gives them ownership
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Use the “Sleep Wind-Down” activities if bedtimes are a battle
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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.