My kids and I are so fed up with each other as the holidays come to an end. How can we reset?

If your kids are wearing on your nerves as school holidays wind down, you're not alone. Rachael Sharman, a psychology lecturer writing in The Conversation, explains that Australia's school holiday structure—multiple breaks throughout the year rather than one long summer—can leave families frayed and parents stretched thin juggling work and childcare. Her advice: use what psychologists call 'rupture and repair.' It sounds fancy, but it just means acknowledge things got tense, then fix it. That could mean apologizing for snapping, listening to your child's frustration, or turning a small conflict into a learning moment. As the school term approaches, resetting your household routines—and explaining why they matter—can help everyone recalibrate.

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