Ah, the school holidays – a precious time for kids to soak up a break from the classroom and enjoy the last whispers of warm weather. But for working parents, this two-week stretch can sometimes feel like a juggling act worthy of the circus. Between work deadlines and keeping your kids entertained, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. The good news? With a little planning, some creative thinking, and a sprinkle of self-care, this time can be just as enjoyable for you as it is for your little ones.
Here are some practical tips to help find that all-important balance.
1. Plan Ahead (But Stay Flexible!)
Having a plan can be your best friend during the school holidays. Sit down with your calendar and map out your work commitments alongside family time. Whether it’s allocating mornings for work and afternoons for fun, or scheduling specific activity days, a rough plan keeps things running smoothly.
But remember, life's not always predictable when kids are involved. Be prepared to shuffle things around if something unexpected pops up. Flexibility is key to enjoying the holidays without the extra stress.
2. Create a Daily Routine
Kids thrive on routine, and chances are, so do you. Having a structured rhythm to the day can make everyone feel more grounded. For example, mornings could be for quiet activities like reading or crafting while you work, and afternoons for outdoor play once your tasks are done.
A routine doesn’t mean every minute needs to be planned. It just creates some structure, so the days don’t feel like a wild free-for-all (and so you can actually tackle that inbox).
3. Set Boundaries Around Work Time
If you’re working from home, this one’s especially important. It can be tricky to balance work and parenting under one roof, but setting clear boundaries can help.
Explain to your children that when you’re in your workspace, it’s your “quiet work time.” To make this easier for everyone, try setting up activities or games they can focus on during these periods. A timer works wonders too – when the bell goes off, they know you’ll be checking in and spending time with them.
4. Get the Kids Involved in Planning
Why not make your little ones part of the holiday planning? Sit down together and create a wish list of activities they’d like to do. It could be as simple as baking biscuits, going to the park, or building a backyard obstacle course.
Not only will this keep them excited, but it gives them a sense of ownership over the holidays. Plus, it helps you tailor plans to their interests, making it more fun for everyone involved.
5. Call on Your Village
You don’t have to do it all alone. Start a holiday swap with other parents – one day you look after the kids, another day they return the favour. Grandparents, extended family, and friends can also lend a hand.
If it’s in your budget, look into local school holiday programs or day camps. These can offer fantastic social and learning experiences while giving you some precious work hours.
6. Enjoy Quality Time (Even in Small Doses)
When you’re busy, it’s easy to feel guilty about not spending every moment with your children. But it’s not about quantity; it’s about quality. Those 10 minutes of full attention during a work break can mean the world to a child.
Whether it’s building LEGO masterpieces, reading, or a quick backyard picnic, find small ways to connect. These little moments are often what your kids will remember most.
7. Don’t Forget About You
It’s easy to get so caught up in meeting everyone’s needs that you forget about your own. But you can’t pour from an empty cup, as the saying goes.
Build some self-care time into your week, whether that’s a walk around the block, a quiet cuppa before everyone wakes, or a good book at bedtime. Make looking after yourself non-negotiable, because your wellbeing is just as important as everyone else’s.
8. Keep Expectations Realistic
Not every day is going to be perfect during the school holidays, and that’s okay. Some days the house will be messy, the to-do list won’t get done, and that’s just part of life.
Focus on what you can do instead of what you can’t, and try to celebrate the little wins – like managing to send that email while the kids made a pillow fort in the lounge.
9. Take it Outside
A bit of fresh air (and space to run around) works wonders for everyone’s mood. A trip to the park, beach, or even just the backyard can break up the day and help kids burn off energy. Plus, it gives you a chance to step away from work and recharge.
A Holiday Full of Memories
Balancing work and family during the school holidays isn’t always easy, but with a little planning and some realistic expectations, it is possible to create a holiday filled with fun, connection, and maybe even a few quiet moments for yourself.
Remember, this time with your kids is precious, and every small effort you make to create memories together will mean the world to them.
