As a working parent, the school holidays can be a challenging time. With the kids out of school and work still demanding your attention, it can feel like an impossible balancing act. However, with a little bit of planning and preparation, it’s possible to successfully manage the school holidays and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
In this article, we’ll provide you with some helpful tips and strategies to help you navigate the school holidays and keep everyone happy, healthy, and entertained. From creating a schedule to utilising childcare options and planning fun activities, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the most of this time with your family without sacrificing your career goals.
How working parents can manage school holidays
One of the best strategies for surviving school holidays as a working parent is to plan ahead of time. Parents should start by mapping out the dates of the school holidays, and then factor in any work commitments or important events.
Create a schedule
Having a clear and well-planned schedule is key to staying organised during the school holidays. Parents should start by mapping out the dates of the school holidays, and then factor in any work commitments or important events. Once you have a clear picture of all your commitments, you can easily see your available dates for fun family activities, and even schedule in some downtime for yourself!
When creating your schedule, be realistic about what you can achieve. Don’t try to do too much, or you’ll end up feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Instead, focus on prioritising your tasks and activities, and only take on what you know you can manage. It’s also essential to communicate your schedule with your family, so they know when you’ll be available and when you won’t. This will help you avoid any conflicts or misunderstandings and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Plan activities
Planning is key!!! Without a plan, your life will be chaotic, and so will your kids. On weekdays, the kids have their own timetable, which is continually adjusted. The benefit of having a timetable is that when it’s time to do something, they do it without us the parents having to constantly remind or request.
Keeping children entertained during the school holidays is essential. Working parents can plan a range of activities that their children will enjoy, such as arts and crafts, outdoor games, visits to local museums, and day trips to nearby attractions. Look up child-friendly places on the internet and reserve an appointment in advance, if possible. This will help to break up the day and keep children engaged.
If your kids prefer to stay at home, keep them busy with board games, baking, and movie nights! Always ask for their input and let them have a say in what they want to do. This will help them feel more invested in the activities and give them a sense of control over their holiday time.
Shared responsibilities
I take care of picking up and dropping off our elder daughter because it aligns perfectly with my work schedule. My husband often handles the leisurely pick-up and drop-off of our younger daughter. We also take turns preparing lunchboxes, so each of us only has to do it once a week, and occasionally, we indulge in ordering from the restaurants. I handle cooking, while my husband takes care of cleaning and washing dishes. And you get the idea!
Utilise childcare options
There are many options available for childcare, depending on your needs and preferences, and it’s essential to explore them in advance to ensure that you have everything in place before the holidays begin. Working parents can consider different childcare options, such as hiring a babysitter, enrolling children in a summer camp, or arranging for grandparents to help out.
It’s essential to plan ahead and book these options early to avoid disappointment. Hire someone you trust, ask for references, or conduct a background check to ensure that they are reliable and trustworthy.
Be flexible
WFH (Working From Home) & flexible work hours are the biggest contributors. For example, I could schedule my kids’ extracurricular activities on weekdays, pick them up at 3 PM, and then log in to work again. In the mornings after the kids go to school and kindergarten, I quickly tidy up the house, run the vacuum, and do some laundry. During lunchtime or afternoon tea breaks, I prepare dinner for the evening.
Flexibility is essential during the school holidays, and working parents should be prepared for unexpected events or changes to their schedules. They can create contingency plans, such as arranging for backup childcare, or asking family members nearby to enlist their help to ensure that they are always prepared.
One way to be flexible is to prioritise your tasks and activities. When creating your schedule, identify which tasks and activities are essential and which ones can be postponed or delegated. This will allow you to focus on the most important things while still being able to adjust your plans if needed.
Final Thoughts
Remember that it’s essential to prioritise self-care and take breaks when needed, and communicate with your employer and family members to ensure that everyone is on the same page. With a bit of planning and flexibility, you can create a fun and engaging holiday for your kids while still maintaining your work responsibilities.
Ultimately, the key to successfully managing school holidays as a working parent is to stay organised, be proactive, and stay open to new ideas and approaches. By doing so, you can enjoy this time with your family and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
We gather this tips by interviewing Jade Piper who is a mother of two. She works as a content writer for a local business BetterCleans and she shared with us how she managed to survive the school holidays while working full time.
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