How Can Working Parents Manage School Holidays and Work Commitments?

Are you feeling overwhelmed about juggling your job while managing your kids' school holidays?

I know the struggle firsthand. As both a therapist and parent, I hear it all the time from parents who feel stretched thin. It's normal to feel stressed out when holidays approach, but trust me, there are ways to keep things under control—and even enjoyable. Let's talk through some practical ideas I've learned over the years that might help you.

Planning Ahead Is Everything

I can't emphasize enough how much planning ahead helps ease the anxiety that comes with school breaks. I always recommend sitting down with your calendar and marking out important dates. Start early, at least a month ahead, to figure out childcare, vacation days, or remote working possibilities. Using effective time management tips for parents can save you from last-minute panics.

One tip I often give to parents—think of the holidays as a mini-project. Who’s going to do what, when, and how? Organize playdates, camps, or activities early on. I've noticed that when parents have this nailed down, the stress level drops significantly.

Shared Responsibility and Communication

When my spouse and I communicate openly about who covers what, managing work and kids becomes a lot simpler. Openly sharing responsibility not only makes holidays manageable—it strengthens relationships, too. Don't assume your partner knows your stress levels. Be clear about your workload and responsibilities. One thoughtful Reddit user—I couldn't have said it better myself—highlighted the importance of sharing calendars with their partner to stay coordinated. It helps immensely to be transparent about your schedules.

Families who work together on this seem to thrive during holidays. Establishing consistent family routines helps create predictability, which children thrive on and reduces everyone's stress.

Flexibility Is Your Friend

Remember, life doesn’t always follow your plan perfectly—and that's okay. Holidays are unpredictable. Your kid might catch a cold, a camp could get canceled, or work might throw in an unexpected deadline. Being flexible and having backup options ready is crucial.

I've heard from numerous parents who keep a list of emergency childcare contacts or backup activities handy. This kind of preparation goes a long way in helping you avoid chaos when your original plans fall apart.

Setting Boundaries At Work

Here’s a piece of advice I give all my clients: set clear boundaries with your workplace. Make sure your team knows when you’re available and when you're not. Clearly communicating your situation can lead to understanding rather than frustration from your colleagues. In my experience, most employers appreciate transparency and are often willing to accommodate flexible working conditions during school breaks.

Creating a Support Network

You’ve heard the phrase, “It takes a village.” This is especially true during school holidays. Building a community or a small support network with other parents can be incredibly helpful. Trading off childcare days with other families not only provides relief but also gives your children an opportunity to socialize.

I recently read an insightful discussion about this on a popular parenting forum. Many parents confirmed my own belief: creating a support network can significantly reduce the stress that comes with managing school breaks. There's comfort in knowing other parents are in the same boat and willing to help out.

Prioritize Self-Care

This might seem counterintuitive when you're already stretched thin, but hear me out. Taking care of your own mental and physical health is essential. School holidays can drain your energy quickly. Incorporate simple self-care routines—even if it's just 10 minutes of meditation, journaling, or exercise.

In my professional experience, parents who prioritize their well-being during these stressful periods tend to cope far better. If you're unsure how to start, consider trying out our guided journaling practices on the app. (Link Out To App Signup here)

Enjoy the Little Moments

Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy the small moments. Yes, holidays can be stressful, but they also provide a chance to create lasting memories with your kids. Remember, you're doing your best—and your best is more than enough.

Where to Start

If you're feeling unsure about managing the upcoming holidays, here’s another resource that offers useful strategies and practical tips. Many parents have also found comfort and ideas in discussions on the parenting forum mentioned earlier.

Above all, remember you're not alone, and it's okay to seek support or help when needed. You've got this!

References

• Healthy Children. "Managing School Holidays and Vacations." HealthyChildren.org, www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/work-and-child-care/Pages/managing-school-holidays-and-vacations.aspx. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.
• Mumsnet. "How do working parents manage the school holidays?" Mumsnet, www.mumsnet.com/talk/parenting/3704744-How-do-working-parents-manage-the-school-holidays. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.