Reclaiming Bodu Chuttee: a guide for Maldivian families

The arrival of the school holidays in the Maldives has always been marked by a shift in the island air, a transition from the rigid rhythm of the school bell to the boundless freedom of “bodu chuttee." For generations, “bodu chuttee” has been the liveliest time of the year making it the very essence of island life, where families return from different parts of the world to their homes.

Back in the day, the holidays were defined by an organic connection to the environment; the moment school holidays started, children would reclaim the beaches and the shade of breadfruit trees.

It was a time of "dhafi" and "faigathalhaa," traditional games that required nothing more than a group of neighborhood friends. These breaks were characterized by a total immersion in the outdoors, where the only clock was the setting sun and the only social network was the group of cousins gathered on a "joali."

By the end of the “bodu chuttee” kids used to bear the glow of the holiday like a badge of honor showcasing how great the holiday was depending on the tan they had.

Today, the scene of the school holiday looks remarkably different, reflecting the rapid urbanization and the shift toward a globalized, digital lifestyle. The fun on sandy streets have been replaced by the silence of indoors and the glow of LED screens. While the “bodu chuttee“ still brings relief, that freedom is now commonly bound by "tuition culture”.

Parents hurry to book tuition classes in the hopes of preparing their kids for the next academic year, without realizing the importance of giving their kids a much deserved break.

As the holiday is upon us, the focus naturally shifts toward preparing for the upcoming academic year. However, this preparation should not come at the cost of losing sight of what the children have achieved in the current year.

Highlighting on this matter, a middle-school teacher stated: "The toxic habit of forcing children to tackle next year’s syllabus during their holidays must come to an end. It would be far more effective for parents to help their children bridge any learning gaps from the current year, ensuring they have a solid foundation for the advanced lessons ahead. Holidays should be a time to prioritize mental health and family connection, rather than trapping children in relentless, "no-escape" study schedules.”

Parents play a vital role in guiding children to reflect on their growth, not just their grades, but the friendships they’ve built, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the skills they’ve mastered. Before diving into new textbooks, it is important to take the time to celebrate these milestones.

Student views on the ideal length of school holidays vary widely across grade levels, reflecting a tension between the need for rest and concerns about academic regression.

Many students argue for a longer break; at least eight weeks, or a minimum of one month after report day, saying the time is necessary to recover from academic pressure, catch up on sleep and support mental wellbeing through rest and social connection.

While some students view the “bodu chuttee” as a vital opportunity for travel, visiting family, or revising previous lessons to solidify their foundation, others suggest that the holidays should be used proactively to gain a head start on the upcoming year.

"The year-end break should be a minimum of six weeks, but not more than 2 months. This is to ensure that students get to rest and unwind after a long period of rigorous studies and exam stress. Although we should spend a decent amount of time having fun with family and friends, we also mustn't let go of our studies entirely. Investing at least an hour every day on studies is vital as it prevents us from forgetting what we learned while preparing us for next year.” Sara, a 9th grader in Rehendhi School stated.

A year-end school holiday is a vital opportunity for parents to reclaim quality family time. In our fast-paced society, the handful of weeks of “bodu chuttee” offers opportunity to share rare moments with family when the pressure of deadlines and grades can be set aside in favor of building emotional bonds. It is in the shared laughter over a board game or a morning by the beach, playing, talking and sharing a meal while connecting with the children so they feel seen and loved.

Beyond basic entertainment, it is crucial that parents teach children the importance of taking breaks and truly unwinding. In a world that equates busyness with success, the ability to slow down is a vital life skill that is often lost in the race to achieve.

When we allow our children to "do nothing" or engage in unstructured play, we are teaching them how to prevent burnout and manage their mental well-being.

This does not require luxury resorts or expensive trips abroad. For many families, breaking the bank isn't an option, and the most memorable experiences are often the simplest for children. For instance, transforming a living room into a "fort" for a family movie night, organizing a family "Master Chef" challenge with cousins, or taking a ferry to a nearby island for a picnic with homemade snacks are all low-cost ways to create magic that will leave lasting impression on kids.

It is a sad reality that some working parents are unable to take time off during the school holidays; however, making holidays special requires a shift in focus from quantity to quality. Even if the workday remains the same, dedicated "golden hours" in the evening can be established where phones are put away and the focus is entirely on the children.

Creating a "holiday bucket list" of small, achievable activities, like a Friday morning fishing trip or a barbeque with family ensures that children feel the festive spirit of the break despite their parents' professional commitments. It is the consistency of these small rituals, rather than the scale of the activity. Yashal, studying in grade 3 explained his favorite activity to do during school holidays as; "I love evening skating time with Bappi. He takes me skating every weekend.”

Ultimately, the best way to utilize the “bodu chuttee” is through a partnership between parent and child. Parents should act as guides, helping children strike a healthy balance between digital entertainment, physical activity, and rest.

By involving children in the planning process, parents empower them to take ownership of their time. Whether it is learning a new or traditional craft, volunteering for a community cleanup, or simply reading a book for pleasure, the goal is to emerge from the "bodu chuttee" refreshed and ready for the future. In doing so, we honor the nostalgia of our past while equipping the next generation with the resilience and joy they need for the modern world.