NAVIGATING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS AS A WORKING PARENT: A GUIDE TO MAINTAINING SANITY
Hands up if you’re a working parent trying to figure out how to manage kids on school holidays? The juggle is real! As we approach the long summer holiday here in the Northern Hemisphere, I want to share what I do to help my family (mainly me) stay sane over the school holidays.
So here are my top tips, organised into planning ahead, childcare arrangements, in-home activities, and mindset. This way, you can easily find the advice you need for specific areas!
My Top Tips
Plan Ahead
Work Schedule Flexibility: Discuss flexible working options, compressed workweeks, or even "work from home" days if possible. Many employers understand the challenges of working parents during holidays - it’s worth an ask!
Hire a Temporary Virtual Assistant: Consider hiring a temporary Virtual Assistant to help you keep the business running. Virtual assistants can assist with business admin, responding to enquiries, invoicing, etc. They can be a godsend!
Childcare Arrangements
Day Camps and Workshops: Enroll your children in day camps or workshops if that’s affordable for your family. Some libraries offer free sessions during the summer holidays. It’s a win-win: they get to learn something new, and you get a few hours of peace to work. Just don’t get too excited and forget to pick them up! Better still, coordinate with another parent who lives in a similar area for car-sharing duties.
Shared Childcare: Coordinate with other parents to share childcare responsibilities and playdates. It’s like a babysitting co-op.
Family Support: If you have family nearby, now’s the time to cash in all those “I owe you one” favours. Grandparents can be a godsend, and who doesn’t love a surprise visit to Granny’s house?
In-Home Activities
Activity Kits: Stock up on activity kits, puzzles, and crafts. Think of it as your secret weapon stash—ready to deploy when boredom strikes and the whining reaches critical levels.
Educational Programs: They’re a great way to keep your kids’ brains active, and who knows, they might learn a thing or two. My kids are 9 and 7, and they like Times Tables Rockstars, Reading Eggs, IXL, Duolingo, and Khan Academy Kids.
Delegate Like a Boss: Can some household chores be delegated to older kids? Even young children can help with simple tasks like setting the table or putting away laundry.
Create a Routine: Establish a daily schedule that includes a mix of activities, screen time, and outdoor play to keep children occupied and maintain a sense of normalcy.
Mindset Matters
Guilt is Out, Quality Time In: Don't feel pressured to entertain your kids every minute. Being bored sparks creativity. Plus, when we feel guilty, it usually shows up as frustration, which leads to a negative environment for all. Schedule some unstructured downtime for them to be creative and independent (see tip above for activity kits). Focus on quality moments together, even if it's just a shared evening meal.
Embrace the "Good Enough" Parent: You can't do it all perfectly. Aim for "good enough" rather than striving for Pinterest-worthy summer experiences. Your kids will remember the fun you have together, not perfectly planned outings.
If you’re feeling guilty during the summer holidays about working while your kids are off, just remember this. You're a role model showing your kids the value of hard work and fulfilling dreams.
Embrace the Outdoors: Get some fresh air and exercise with your kids. Go for a walk, bike ride, or have a family picnic in the park. Physical activity helps everyone de-stress and improves focus.
Remember, the summer holidays are a time for family memories. By planning, communicating, and prioritising everyone’s well-being—including yours—you can navigate this busy period with a calm and collected mind.
Take a deep breath and embrace the moment—the summer holidays will be over before you know it. Cherish the memories you make; they’re priceless!