Surviving the school holidays: How working parents make it work
For many working parents, the school holidays – especially the long six-week summer break – can feel less like a time to relax and more like a logistical mountain to climb. Half-terms and holidays bring both joy and dread: joy in spending time with children, dread in figuring out how to balance work demands with childcare and keeping kids entertained.
We asked some of the working parents at Paperstone how they manage the juggle, and the answers revealed a combination of planning, creativity, flexibility – and a whole lot of teamwork. Here’s how they do it.
It starts with a plan (and a calendar)
Sarah, our Head of Marketing, swears by early planning:
“I start by making sure I have all school calendar dates added to my own calendar – term starts, term ends, INSET days. I also invite my husband so he can see them too.”
Many parents rely on tools like iCal, Google Calendar, or shared apps like Cozi Family Organizer to keep the family in sync. Some, like Ed from our Tech Team, use a whiteboard planner on the wall – customised with the week’s schedule and even a shopping list.
Once the dates are mapped, the next step is to start filling in the childcare cover. Sarah creates a shared spreadsheet with all the people who might help – partner, grandparents, friends – and blocks out who’s available when. Then she fills in the gaps with holiday clubs and events.
“Book early! Holiday clubs sell out fast,” she advises. Signing up for newsletters and keeping an eye on school communications helps too.
Flexibility is gold
Working for an organisation that supports flexibility can make all the difference. John, our Sales Director highlighted how crucial this is:
“There is no value to the business or individuals for management to ignore the stresses of childcare. A stressed-out account manager rushing around isn’t going to perform well.”
Many parents take advantage of flexible hours, starting earlier or logging in after bedtime so they can be present during the day. This collaborative approach – between partners and employers – is key to managing the juggle without burning out.
Home-based hacks for hybrid working
For parents who work from home, preparation is everything. Max, our Customer Service Manager puts it simply:
“Juggling the kids is no mean feat – it takes a whole heap of planning. Sometimes you have to wing it and make do if things don’t go to plan… and that’s okay.”
Her holiday survival kit includes a whiteboard with a daily activity schedule (inspired by the “continuous provision” used in schools), alarms for snack and lunch breaks, and pre-prepped snack boxes.
“They know that when I’m at my desk, they need to be quiet unless it’s an emergency.”
Making the most of the garden, playdates, and even letting kids get a bit bored – think dens, obstacle courses, and paddling pools – keeps them entertained while parents work nearby.
It takes a village
Grandparents, siblings, friends, and neighbours all play vital roles. Max relies heavily on her mum (and sometimes her sister) for childcare:
“Some days she ends up having four children with her!”
As kids get older, siblings help with pickups and drop-offs. Friends return favours with playdates. It’s all about building a support network – and not being afraid to ask for help.
Hayley, our Customer Relationship Manager said she also has to have family members on hand to do school pick up most days. She tries to book her little boy into as many clubs as possible during holidays.
Ed, in our tech team, mentioned how tools like the Life360 locator app give peace of mind when older kids start walking home alone.
Know it won’t be perfect – and that’s okay
Not everything goes to plan – and working parents agree: that’s completely normal. The secret lies in letting go of perfection and being kind to yourself.
Sarah’s advice? Have a list of cheap, easy activities ready for those “I’m bored” moments. Write ideas on slips of paper and let the kids pick one. From sorting through cuddly toys (keep, donate, hand me down) to making clay bead bracelets – having ideas at the ready really helps.
And Max? She sums it up perfectly:
“We’re lucky to have understanding managers who’ve been there too, and it makes all the difference.”
Final thoughts
Balancing work with children at home during school holidays is no easy feat. It takes organisation, flexibility, and a whole lot of creativity. But with the right planning, support, and realistic expectations, it can work.
If you’re a working parent worrying about how you’ll juggle the next school break – take a breath. Start with a calendar, rope in your village, and know that it’s okay if things aren’t perfect.
Sometimes, surviving is thriving. And the memories you make along the way – dens, water fights, lunchbox picnics – are often the moments your kids remember most.
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