How to Survive Spring Break with Your Strong-Willed or Defiant Child: 4 Expert Parenting Tips

Written By Jennifer Hendrix

Spring break can feel overwhelming—especially when you're parenting a strong-willed or defiant child. Whether you're staying home or planning a trip, lack of structure and supervision can quickly lead to conflict, chaos, and stress. But with the right strategies, you can turn this challenging week into a meaningful opportunity for growth and connection.

Parenting On Spring Break

At Parenting Solutions, we teach families evidence-based techniques from the Parent Project Sr.® class, the nation’s leading program for parents of strong-willed and defiant teens. One of the most effective tools we emphasize is active supervision—a simple but powerful approach that helps prevent behavioral problems and keeps kids safe.

Here’s how to apply active supervision this spring break:

1. Stick to a Structured Daily Routine

Children and teens thrive on routine—even during school breaks. Keep your child’s schedule as close to normal as possible. That means:

  • Regular wake-up and bedtimes

  • Consistent meal times

  • Supervised blocks of time for activities and relaxation

Why it matters: When kids stay up late, sleep in, and lose daily structure, it increases the risk of emotional dysregulation, poor decision-making, and family conflict. According to child behavior research, consistent routines are directly linked to better academic and social outcomes and strengthens a sense of belonging.

If you work during the day, consider:

  • Rearranging your schedule

  • Asking a trusted neighbor or family member to help

  • Rotating supervision with another parent

2. Keep Your Child Busy with Purposeful Activities

Boredom breeds misbehavior. Planning ahead can help prevent power struggles and screen-time battles. Avoid letting screen time interfere with daily routines and commitments. As highlighted in The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, excessive screen time is directly linked to rising anxiety, depression, and attention issues in teens. This spring break, reduce digital overload and reconnect as a family. Aim to include:

  • Shared family meals

  • Daily physical activity

  • Chores and household responsibilities

  • Face to face social time with safe peers

  • Screen-free connection with trusted adults

Spring break is a great time to encourage your child to:

  • Find ways to help them nurture and lead

  • Apply for a part-time job

  • Read library books or catch up on schoolwork

  • Help a sibling or relative with errands

Bonus tip: Screen time and social media can greatly (negatively) influence your child’s behavior and mood. Real-world engagement helps reduce emotional reactivity—especially for defiant children who are easily overstimulated.

3. Know Who Your Child is Spending Time With

Even for teens, you should always know who their friends are—and who their parents are. Before approving outings or sleepovers, take the time to:

  • Meet the parents of your child's friends

  • Ask questions about supervision and house rules

  • Confirm expectations for curfews and safety

During spring break, when your child’s days are less structured, this step becomes even more important. Peer pressure and unsupervised time are leading contributors to risky behavior during school breaks.

4. Use Spot Checks to Build Trust and Accountability

"Trust, but verify." In the Parent Project Sr.® curriculum, we teach a technique called the spot check. This means:

  • Calling or texting to confirm your child’s location

  • Asking them to send a photo of where they are

  • Popping in unexpectedly if something doesn’t feel right

Spot checks aren’t about being controlling—they’re about ensuring safety and reinforcing boundaries. And if your child is home alone while you work, consider leaving a daily checklist of tasks to complete before they can access privileges like Wi-Fi or phone use.

Preparing for Adulthood Starts Now

Spring break offers an opportunity to teach essential life skills:

  • Cooking simple meals

  • Managing personal hygiene

  • Organizing daily tasks

Strong-willed and defiant children often benefit from structured guidance in these areas.

Need More Support?

If you're struggling to manage your child's behavior, you're not alone. The Parent Project Sr.® class offers proven strategies to help families navigate these challenges.

At Parenting Solutions, we provide tools to:

  • Reduce conflicts and arguments

  • Promote positive behaviors

  • Rebuild trust and connection within the family

You can create a more peaceful home environment—and we're here to support you every step of the way.

Jennifer Hendrix