Episode 6 - Surviving School Holidays

School holidays... they sound relaxing in theory. In reality? They're often fuelled by snacks, screen time negotiations, and wondering how it's only 10:30am.

In this episode of After the Gin Settles, we chat honestly about what school holidays look like when you're raising neurodivergent kids. We talk about the huge difference between the structure of the school term and the chaos that holidays can bring, why routine matters so much for autistic children, and the constant juggling act parents do trying to keep everyone regulated (including themselves).

We also dive into the struggle of finding activities that are genuinely inclusive, why "family fun" isn't always designed with sensory needs in mind, and the awkward reality of organising playdates when you're not just getting to know the child... you're secretly interviewing the parents too.

Along the way we reminisce about growing up in Mildura, laugh about childhood memories at the old Gold River Zoo, and share the local wins that are making a difference for families, from sensory-friendly events to community initiatives.

As always, it's a conversation filled with honesty, laughter, a few rabbit holes, and the reassurance that if school holidays leave you counting down until the first day back, you're definitely not the only one.

In this episode we chat about:

• Why school holidays can be so overwhelming for neurodivergent families.
• The importance of routine and predictable structure.
• The pressure to keep kids entertained (without spending a fortune).
• Inclusive and sensory-friendly activities that actually work.
• The therapy juggle during school holidays.
• Parenting wins, parenting fails, and everything in between.
• Growing up in Mildura and the memories that still make us smile.
• Why sometimes surviving the holidays is enough.

So pour yourself a drink (gin optional), settle in, and join us for another honest conversation about the beautiful, messy reality of parenting.