Mummy Shares: How Do I Juggle Work and School Holidays?

The congested traffic on the highways near my house over the weekend screams loud and clear that the school holidays have arrived. So, as a mother who used to work from morning to evening alone at home, that is no longer the case for the entire week! Between attending to my children's needs, settling household chores, and working around the clock chasing writing deadlines, I can say that if I don't make a good plan to manage the chaotic schedule during this school break, I'll be off running like a headless chicken. One week seems like a short time, and time will indeed fly by; for example, by the time you read this, we will most likely be nearing the end of the school break. Even so, I'd like to share what I did to better balance my work and the school holidays. It may be useful not only at this time, but also at other times when you have your children with you during their sick leave, festive holidays, or other events. Don't worry if you're still trying to settle your children this holiday season. You might find one or two ideas that would work here. Let's take a look at what I have done to stop dreading juggling work and managing kids when they're at home during the school holidays: Prepare Activities in Advance One of the first school holiday activities for my kids is to sort through their toys. Just look at that toy mountain! Whether you wanted to engage in indoor or outdoor activities with your children, be sure to plan ahead of time. For two reasons: first, you can better plan the activities; and second, you can inform your children about what you have scheduled for them during the school break. That's why, before the school holiday even begins, I've told my kids what they'll be doing over the weekend and the first few days. I took advantage of the holiday season to take my children to the dentist for a dental check-up and to do some spring cleaning with their toys and clothing. I tell them what time and day they need to get ready and sort through their toys to decide which ones they want to keep, throw away, or donate to charity. By the way, looking at all the toys makes me think we should stop buying toys altogether! It's just too much. :s Also, even though my husband and I are both extremely busy this school holiday, we still wanted to take the kids out. So, I've already planned a museum tour. I even included my kids in the planning so they could choose where they wanted to go and know what to expect at the museums we would visit. What matters is that my children are not bored out of their minds and that I can still make time for them. Send Kids to a Daycare Sending kids to a daycare means they will have friends to play with and activities to participate in. (Image credit: Canva) This is something I usually do during school breaks because there are times when I am unable to fully focus on my children when they are at home. Especially when I have a lot of deadlines to meet and can't get away from work. Since my youngest child is already enrolled, I will notify the centre that I will be sending my other two kids as well. The daycare centre is always cool with it as long as I informed them in advance and I make the extra payments. This really helps me to get a lot of things done while my kids are in childcare. But I only send them for a maximum of two days at a time because I still want them to be able to enjoy their holiday break at home. Establish Working Limits Image credit: Canva It's easy to get carried away and work at any time of day, especially if you're like me and have freelance work to complete. I typically do not have to make breakfast or lunch since the kids are in school. But for this week, I have to keep in mind that my kids are at home, so I also have to put them first. That requires me to prepare food, make sure my children eat on time, watch what they're playing or doing online, and calm them down when they fight. You just can't count on kids to get along all the time. At first, they'll be having fun and laughing, but ten minutes later, I'll either hear someone crying or say, "Mama, mama, my little brother hit me," "She doesn't want to share with me," or another phrase to that effect. I have to set a time when I'll be working and instruct my kids to play quietly and not to bother me unless there is an emergency because all kinds of commotion can occur. This part goes over well with my kids, which is something I'm grateful for. Be Open to Flexibility During School Holidays I took some time off from work a few days ago to take my kids grocery shopping and to have lunch outside. Regardless of how much I dread juggling work and childcare during the school holidays, they will be at home with me. I need to keep in mind that this is only for a short time, so I should be flexible and lenient whenever possible. It has been discovered that flexibility can bring us back to a state of mindfulness and calm. So, if there is a chance to postpone the deadline so that I can spend more time with my children, I will take it. If I need to entertain and care for my children during the day and work at night, so be it. I also put off housework that I can do first, such as doing laundry or mopping the floors. Instead of cooking all the time, I would occasionally take the kids to eat out or order food delivery. Being flexible helps me avoid becoming stressed out by the potential chaos that arises from my children staying at home while I work. Seek Assistance from Close Family or Friends Image credit: Canva I understand that not everyone can afford to send their children to daycare. Perhaps due to financial constraints or a lack of nearby options. If this is the case, you may wish to contact family members or close friends who can keep an eye on your kids. I do this as well when I am unable to send my children to a daycare facility. I would ask my parents or my younger sister to lend a hand. That way, I can still finish whatever I need to do while they take care of my kids. However, I must ensure that I am not disturbing anyone and that they are available at the time. If not, I try to take turns managing the children during school vacations with my husband. Don’t Forget to Have a Fun School Holiday Image credit: Canva It can be exhausting to juggle work and school breaks, but remember that this is a time for your kids to unwind from school and have fun. I understand because my kids start school at 8 a.m. and finish at 5 p.m., so they need the school holidays to relax and unwind. Plan some enjoyable activities that you and the kids can do together. Try not to let the stress get to you because if you're unhappy, your kids will be unhappy staying at home as well. Try not to make them feel as if it's better for them to go to school rather than to spend their holiday with you either. This is also an excellent time to unwind and take your mind off work for a few days. Keep going, mummies! You've got this! For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

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