Balancing work and parenting over the school holidays requires a lot of determination, without a doubt.
Ever since our daughter turned two, we’ve developed a routine that allows us to stay balanced. While I go through emails or sit in meetings, she drifts from one activity to another. Some days she will watch a short English cartoon. Other times, she’s focused intently on her virtual lesson, writing notes in her workbook, busy with an arts and crafts task, or snuggled on the small sofa reading a storybook.
At about six, we turn off the laptops and have dinner together. After that, we squeeze in 30 minutes of playtime before Dad comes back, generally between 7 and 8 o’clock. That’s my window to quickly shower or manage whatever mess the house ended up with that day—he steps in for bath time and storytelling, then puts her to bed.
By 9 o’clock, it’s time to sleep. Another day gone in a heartbeat.
Top Tips for Working from Home during the School Holidays
We have maintained this balancing act for the past four years, and it always feels like a frantic rush. But honestly, that blend of disorder and small wins—it has turned into our definition of victory.
Well, how can you manage to working from home with a little kid around?
Only last week in the playground, I exchanged survival tips together with other parents. The discussion keeps coming back: “My kid is unwell. I am working and taking care of my children while doing both. How do you cope?”
These are a few things that work at our home. Perhaps they will make your life somewhat easier, too:
Audiobooks and stories
Apple Music is packed with kids’ audiobooks—Wieso, Weshalb, Warum, TKKG, and more. They keep children attentive and allow their eyes to resta pause away from screens.
Homemade playdough
Simply combine flour, water, and a few drops of food coloring. Kids get excited about it. Sometimes we make fake dumplings, sometimes she takes on the role of “the baker,” regardless, it occupies her time.
Paper crafts
Downloadable templates are all around the web. Cutting, folding, and pasting—all of a sudden your kid’s in their own private world, concentrating on a task, with the house peaceful at last.
Coloring
Simply print out a few pages, throw away markers or crayons, and you’re ready. This is my my favorite when meetings last too long.
Science experiments
These educational science kits really save the day. Elastic balls, crystal gardens, volcano experiments with baking soda—little ones learn actual science without realizing it.
Anton App
Yes, this is screen time, but if it’s for educational purposes, I’ll take it.
Photo challenge
Hand over your phone or digital camera and ask your child to locate and photograph 20 red objects in the house. Switch up the color or theme whenever you need a new diversion.
Treasure hunt
Hide trinkets in the yard then send your child on a treasure hunt. They burn off some energy, and you have a period of silence to concentrate.
LEGO freestyle assembly
Honestly, LEGO sets doesn’t ever get boring.
Cooking workshop
Encourage them to participatehelp to stir, pour, or beat the cream. The kitchen will be a mess, however they are gaining experience. And sometimes mess is worth it.
Go outdoors
A mere 30 minutes out in the yard or get your kid on a quick ride on the bike in between calls can shift the mood of everyone.
And now and then? Cartoons are the single thing that helps you cope. No need to feel bad about it.
The aim is not to eliminate screens entirely—simply attempt to vary activities about every 30 minutes. You likely won’t manage to fit in a perfect eight hours of work, but six decent ones? That’s realistic. Most importantly, your little one remains amused, and both of you manage to get through the day without any trouble.