Winter break should be joyful for kids. But often it's not

Most kids are eager for winter break. But for kids from poor families, break can be a lonely time away from the structure and social life of school.

Michelle Mitchell-Brannon, who manages a youth development program in Rainier Beach, said her organization schedules free activities during winter break.

“I’ve heard from some of the families that (the kids) would be at home alone and have to be there like a latch-key kid,” Mitchell-Brannon said.

She said some parents rely on friends or relatives to watch their kids during winter break. “Or they’d have to pay for other programs that they definitely can’t afford if they don’t get a scholarship,” she said.

With school out, Mitchell-Brannon said many children can’t access the free meals they eat at school – breakfast, lunch, and often snacks.

“We want to make sure that we meet that barrier for the parents while the children are out of school during the holiday seasons or mid-winter break,” she said.

Elizabeth Whitford heads School’s Out Washington, which advocates for learning opportunities for when school’s not in session. Last year, her organization mapped out programs available for young people during school vacations.

She said they found huge geographic gaps in the number of day camps, classes and activities available in high-poverty areas, like south King County, and even pockets of the Eastside.

“You’d see many elementary schools with no programming at them or around them,” Whitford said, “whole neighborhoods without any programs.”

Whitford said she’d like to see community investment in programs where there are few available for low-income children. She said families with means tend to associate winter break with a time of joy and exploration.

“It could be that for all children,” she said.” It should be that for all children.”