Two-thirds of children feel pressure to 'summer-max', but experts say holidays should be about fun

New research suggests many children struggle to switch off in the summer holidays, with reading for pleasure in decline.

Girl reading book while sitting cross-legged on floor in bookstore

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Published: July 28, 2026 at 12:23 PM

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Many children aren't truly switching off when the school holidays begin, according to new research — two-thirds of 8 to 12-year-olds say they feel pressure to stay productive throughout the break.

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The study, commissioned by London Luton Airport (LLA), suggests that "summer-maxxing", filling the holidays with goals, achievements and educational activities, is becoming increasingly common. At the same time, reading for pleasure continues to decline, despite most children saying they enjoy it.

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For families looking for simple ways to slow the pace this summer, a new initiative hopes to encourage children to swap productivity for stories by rediscovering the joy of reading.

Children feel pressure to make every moment count

According to the research, 67% of children aged 8 to 12 feel pressure to spend their summer holidays achieving something, rather than simply relaxing.

Nearly half (48%) of parents said their children regularly talk about school during the holidays, while 33% practise academic skills over the break. Almost one in five children (18%) even set themselves academic or achievement-based goals.

The findings reflect what many parents may recognise: school pressures can continue long after the final bell rings.

Reading feels like another task for many children

While 73% of children said reading helps them relax and 70% described it as fun, more than half (51%) admitted it can feel like something they have to do rather than something they choose to do.

The findings come alongside new figures from the National Literacy Trust, which show reading for enjoyment among 8 to 18-year-olds has fallen significantly over the past decade, from 58.6% to 36.1%.

The charity also found that only 20.3% of children and teenagers now read every day.

Graphic novels could help reluctant readers

To encourage children to read for pleasure, London Luton Airport has partnered with the National Literacy Trust and children's author, comedian and illustrator Olaf Falafel to create a free graphic novel called 26 Minutes to Save Summer.

The story follows Average Joe and his robot sidekick Robo Snail as they battle the villainous Dr Prodktiv, who wants to fast-forward the school holidays in the name of efficiency and achievement.

The book has been designed to appeal to children who might not usually pick up a traditional novel. The airport's research found that 79% of children find comics and graphic novels easier to read than standard books, while 43% are more likely to read something funny.

National Literacy Trust research also suggests graphic novels can help support literacy skills and encourage creative thinking.

Olaf Falafel, who created the book, said children do not need another thing to accomplish over the holidays.

Nobody needs another thing to achieve during the summer holidays. Sometimes the best thing you can do is switch off and get lost in a story, preferably a funny one!

Olaf Falafel, author, comedian and illustrator

Free copies available for families flying from Luton

The bespoke graphic novel will be available free to families travelling through London Luton Airport from 27 July as part of the airport's summer programme of family activities.

Clare Armstrong, Head of Guest Experience at London Luton Airport, said: "The best holidays start before you board the plane, when families begin to relax, have fun and feel like the adventure has already started.

"By partnering with Olaf to create this amazing graphic novel and distributing more than 2,000 free copies, we're giving families who fly from LLA this summer a free, fun and easy way to switch into holiday mode before take-off. We hope it will also help children rediscover reading as something exciting, imaginative and full of adventure."

Helping children enjoy reading in their own way

The National Literacy Trust says giving children the freedom to choose what and how they read can make a real difference.

Dinny Smith, Assistant Director of Education at the National Literacy Trust, said children are more likely to develop a lasting love of reading when they can follow their own interests.

We know that children are more likely to build a lasting love of reading when they can follow their own interests and choose formats that excite them, whether that's graphic novels, comic books, audiobooks, or reading digitally or in print.

Dinny Smith, Assistant Director of Education at the National Literacy Trust

The campaign also supports the National Year of Reading 2026, which aims to encourage more families to make reading part of everyday life.

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For parents, the message is simple: the summer holidays do not have to be packed with achievements. Sometimes, curling up with a good book may be exactly what children need.

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