Why are children more well behaved on holidays?

At the end of our second family holiday this year, it always amazes me how the kids seem so much more well behaved. Is there something that the teachers give them on the last day of school?
I was convinced that there was something in the water, until I realised how much more it is about ME than it is about them.

On holidays there is no pressure of work, after school activities, no time lines or places to be. My kids are only reflecting me. When I am feeling and expressing the stress of life, so are they. But as children they just display it in a different way to adults.

So what can I do about it? There will always be work, after school activities and competing priorities. If nothing can be taken away, what changes can I make for my kids to reflect the 'school holidays behaviour' I so much enjoyed?

• Be organised - with organisation, comes order and routine. This helps in making sure everything runs to plan
• Worry about what matters - if things don't go to plan, does it really matter? Don't sweat the small stuff.
• Ask for help - If it all really is too much to cope with, don't be proud, ask for help.
• Enjoy life - As simple as this sounds, don't let life pass you by, make sure you enjoy your time with those that are important to you.

I intend to go into the last term of the year with these ideas in mind because in the lead up to Christmas it isn't going to slow down is it? I feel prepared and ready for what the remainder of the year has to bring.