School holidays can be a joyous time for the wee little children, released from the confines of the draconian educational system they crave the freedom of froliking in the fields. But they’ll also settle for trashing your front room and interrupting your zoom calls with requests for icepops and demands you punish their siblings for earth shattering misdemeanours. But amidst all that joy, the holidays often present a serious logistical and emotional challenge for working parents. Balancing the demands of a career while ensuring your children have a meaningful memory making 6 weeks can feel like juggling flaming swords.
However, with some planning and creativity, it is possible to create a balance that works for everyone. Here are some practical strategies to help you navigate this period.
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The key to balancing work and parenting during school holidays is proactive planning. Create a schedule that outlines your work commitments and your children’s activities and make a plan that has space for everyone. This includes booking spots in holiday camps, sports activities, or workshops well in advance to ensure your children are fully engaged and supervised by another adult human while you work. Another top tip is to coordinate with other parents to set up child sharing days. Most parents are in the same hole. So if you can, group the kids and alternate days. This means the kids get excellent socialising and when it’s your turn you can focus 100% on the kids. Plus you all get at a few totally child free days to work. You might need the buy in of your employer (if you have one) but they’re probably going to prefer you take 1 day a week to a full 2 week block. So be open and discuss flexible working hours or remote work options with your employer to accommodate your holiday responsibilities.
Make a plan
Children are used to a routine, they won’t necessarily transition out of that straight away so having a structured day can help them feel secure and occupied. It will also mean they know what to expect and will be more accepting of the times you need to work. A consistent routine might involve some light educational activities, outdoor play, creative time with arts and crafts, followed by good quality family time in the evening. And technology can be a lifesaver when used well. Educational apps, virtual museum tours, and online workshops can provide valuable and engaging experiences for your children. It is important to balance screen time with outdoor and creative activities. But also letting your kids spend a few hours on their tablet or games console doesn’t make you a bad parent, they need that down time too.
Get them involved
You can talk to them and help them understand the need for some clear working time. If you can create one then a designated workspace at home can help separate your work life from your home life. You can even use visual cues or gamify things to help the kids respect that boundary. Secret knocks, do not disturb signs, opening hours etc can help them embed it in their heads. Depending on the nature of your job, involving your children can be a good teaching moment and fun! What kid doesn’t love stapling things… Explain what you do and get them to help with simple tasks, or even better ask their opinions on decisions that are being made. This not only keeps them occupied but also helps them feel valued and understand why you need to work.
Make the most of the breaks
Don’t be afraid to leave them somewhere (safe). Many communities offer programs and activities during school holidays. Libraries, community centres, and local businesses often host free or low-cost events and activities. Utilize these to provide enriching experiences for your children without breaking the bank. And remember if they’re occupied then you can use that time how ever you need to. Check out what co-working spaces might be nearby, or is there a coffeeshop with free wifi? OR perhaps you need that moment as down time because balancing work and parenting can be exhausting. It’s crucial to prioritize self-care and ensure you have some time to unwind, whether it’s a quiet cup of coffee in the morning, a short walk, or a few minutes of meditation, screaming in to a pillow… whatever you need. Taking care of your mental and physical health will help you stay patient and energized. And remember that even with the best-laid plans, things might not always go smoothly. Be prepared to adapt and accept that perfection is not the goal.
Balancing work and parenting during school holidays is mad crazy challenging, but with careful planning and a flexible approach, it’s possible to manage both responsibilities in a way that keeps everyone ticking over. The goal is to create a happy home for your children while keeping your job. By being kind, flexible, and organised you can make the most of the school holidays and even enjoy some quality family time along the way.