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Balancing work and motherhood is always a challenge, but school holidays take it to a whole new level! 🤹🏾♀️ As a mum, I know firsthand the juggle of keeping kids entertained, managing work responsibilities, and trying to find a moment for myself and my husband. It’s a delicate dance of scheduling playdates, school holiday camps, Zoom/Teams meetings, and family time. Here are a few things I do that help me navigate this busy season: ⏰ Thoughtful Working. We have our anchor days, where I’m in the office connecting and collaborating. But I’m lucky to work for an organisation that believes in thoughtful working. So, I adjust my work hours to fit around my kid’s schedules. Also allows me to do drop-offs and pick-ups from activities without feeling guilty and complete my work when I can give it my 100%. 🎨🍿 Activities and Snacks. I set up ‘tivities’ as my youngest calls them for when I have a call or work to get through. Including copious snacks - they still appear on calls (usually asking for a Tim Tam) but I’ve got the best bunch of colleagues that laugh it off and engage with them. 🤝 It takes a village. Our kids had playdates with friends and cousins which we return in kind and my wonderful cousin took our son for an adventure afternoon (thanks Kuhan Rajalingam). My husband and I divide responsibilities as much as we can, drop offs, pick ups, packing lunches, making dinners etc... our synced calendars help! Sharing the load can make a world of difference. 💫 Embrace Imperfection. It’s okay if everything isn’t perfect. This one is particularly difficult when things pile up but I’ve realised the washing can wait.  ❤️ Family. We prioritise some special time together as a family. Getting away for the weekend, having special dinners out and just embracing the slower pace holidays bring. To all the working parents out there, you’re doing an incredible job. Do you have any tips and tricks? I’ve got a whole lot of holidays ahead of me! 😬 #WorkingMum #SchoolHolidays #WorkLifeBalance #MumJuggle

Juggling Work and Summer Holidays 😵💫 With school summer holidays approaching, working parents find themselves in a familiar but daunting situation: balancing work commitments with parental responsibilities. As a working parent myself, I understand the hot sweat that comes with trying to do it all. 😅 How are you planning to make this work for you and your family? Here are my top tips to cope during the summer break: 1. If you can, have some time off with them - this gives you precious time to be with your family and relieves parent guilt 2. Plan Ahead - as you would with work, think about the pressure points and how you can get ahead of them. Think about your options, grandparents, sharing responsibility with other parents in the same situation, holiday clubs etc. 3. Leverage Technology - make use of productivity apps and tools to keep track of your tasks and deadlines. Setting reminders and using shared calendars can help you stay organised and ensure nothing falls through the cracks making you feel in control 4. Self-Care - Don't forget to take care of yourself amidst the chaos. Schedule some 'me time' to recharge, whether it's a quiet coffee break, a quick workout, or simply reading a book. Balancing work and family during the summer holidays is no easy feat, so don't be too hard on yourself. How do you cope with the summer holidays? Share your tips in the comments! 👇 #WorkLifeBalance #ParentingTips #SummerHolidays

It’s not all live, laugh, love but more hello stress 👋… As we say goodbye to June this week, July is the month where School’s out for Summer and working parents must navigate a minimum of 6-weeks no school whilst continuing our normal work routines. LOL. Plus a sprinkle of inset days at the end because why not?! 😅 I can’t stand the generic mummy blogger ‘tips and tricks’ for surviving the holidays because: ❌ Not everyone has children who will manage in a new environment or routine ❌ Not everyone can afford upwards of £40 per day for a summer camp ❌ Not everyone has access to help from Grandparents/Friends ❌ Not everyone has daytime hours or Monday – Friday work patterns And most importantly: ❌ Not everyone can craft, embrace the chaos and live laugh love through them 😬 This isn’t my first rodeo but the first one was daunting and what realistically works for me is: ✅ Planning in advance as much as I could (by months). This was my best friend and stress minimiser ✅ Utilising a two-week chunk of my annual leave and sacrificing some throughout the rest of the year (if possible around bank hols to maximise longer periods with less holiday use) 😉 ✅ Keeping communication open with my boss from the start – if I need some flexibility, I’ll ask for some, but I’ll make up the time and still complete everything expected of me (tiring but important) – trust goes both ways With 9 YEARS left of Summer Holidays - I’m open to receive all the tips for future ones 🙌👇 #SchoolHolidays #SummerHolidays #WorkingParents #WorkingMum #LiveLaughLove

🌞 School Holidays: The Balancing Act of Work, Mum Guilt, and Reality 🌞 As we dive into the summer holidays, I'm reminded once again of the perpetual balancing act between my professional ambitions and the ever-present mum guilt. Being passionate about my job and maintaining that sense of individuality is so important to me, but the six-week holiday break always brings its own set of challenges. I'm incredibly fortunate to work for Leaders in Care, who support flexible working arrangements, allowing me to work from home. This setup is something I couldn't manage without. It means I can be present in the house, ensuring my children are safe, loved, and looked after, even while I juggle work commitments. However, I still find myself struggling with guilt when I scroll through social media. Seeing other parents orchestrate fun-filled days for their kids can be tough. I have to remind myself that social media often presents an idealised version of reality, not the full picture. Then, I think of the children in the social care sector that I work with. This brings a sense of perspective and reality. It reminds me that, despite my feelings of guilt, I'm doing okay with my kids. They are safe, loved, and well-cared for, and that is what truly matters. There are more important things than perfectly curated social media posts. To all the working parents out there, remember: you're doing an amazing job. Your presence, love, and care mean more than any picture-perfect social media post. Let's embrace the reality of our unique situations and celebrate the little victories along the way. 💪💖 #WorkingMom #MumGuilt #SchoolHolidays #WorkLifeBalance #SocialCare #RealityCheck #ParentingJourney

😎 Summer holidays are officially here again! How's everyone feeling about it? I know some people dread the break, juggling childcare and work, while others relish the extra time with family and seem to breeze through the six weeks. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of the summer holidays (these are mine, feel free to add your own!): 👉 Pros: ✅ No 5:45am alarm for six glorious weeks! ✅ No school run (saving me roughly 3 hours a day!) ✅ I get to workout when I'm actually awake, rather than bleary-eyed. ✅ Extra cuddles with my lovely daughter (she's 7, so I still get them!) ✅ Days out and family visits without needing to ask the boss for time off – because I am the boss! 👉 Cons: ❌ As a solo parent, I'm on duty 99% of the time, which can be exhausting. ❌ Finding things for my daughter to do while working or taking calls, please expect my child to appear at any moment. ❌ Managing boredom – six weeks is a long time when you're 7! 🎉 Overall, the pros definitely outweigh the cons for me, and I love having my daughter around. I totally understand the struggle juggle is real, but please don't struggle this summer! 📢 I still have room for 1 client in August. 👉Working with me allows me to take the management side of your business off your plate, managing and putting into systems, streamline your processes and team management. 🏖 All this frees up precious time in your day to spend with your family this summer! How do you manage during the summer break?

Finding Balance: Work and Family Time During Summer Break As the school summer holidays roll around, many parents face the challenge of balancing work commitments with spending quality time with their children. It can be a daunting task, but striking the right balance is crucial for both professional success and family happiness. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate this busy season: Prioritise Your Schedule 📅 Plan your work and family activities in advance. Allocate specific times for work and dedicate uninterrupted periods for family fun. This not only ensures you stay productive but also makes your children feel valued and important. Embrace Flexibility 🌈 If your job allows, consider flexible working hours or remote work options. This can help you be present for important family moments without compromising your professional responsibilities. Quality Over Quantity 🎨 It's not just about the amount of time you spend with your children but the quality of that time. Engage in activities that foster connection and creativity. Simple pleasures like a family picnic, a game night, or a walk in the park can create lasting memories. Set Boundaries 🛑 Create clear boundaries between work and family time. Let your colleagues know your availability, and try to avoid work-related tasks during family hours. This separation helps you be fully present in each role. Involve Your Children 👧🧒 If appropriate, involve your children in your workday. This can mean letting them understand what you do or even helping with age-appropriate tasks. It provides a learning opportunity for them and a chance for you to bond. Take Time for Yourself 🌸 Don't forget self-care. Balancing work and family can be stressful, so ensure you also take time to relax and recharge. A healthy, happy parent is better equipped to handle both professional and personal duties. Communicate Openly 🗣️ Keep open lines of communication with your employer and family. Discuss your needs and constraints with your boss and partner to find mutually beneficial solutions. Final Thoughts Balancing work and family during the summer holidays is not just about time management but about fostering meaningful connections and well-being. By prioritising, setting boundaries, and communicating effectively, you can create a fulfilling summer for both your career and your family. Let this summer be a time of joy, growth, and cherished moments. Your children will remember the time you spent together far more than the gifts you bought them. Happy summer holidays! 🌞 #WorkLifeBalance #FamilyTime #SummerBreak #ProductivityTips

Sometimes you don't know how badly you need a break, until you're on the break. If you're umming and arring, let me offer you a gentle nudge: if you can, do it. After a week offline, final day of school holidays wrapping up, cup is full and feeling rejuvenated for MAY to begin. As a part-time working mum, sometimes the guilt can creep in for taking leave, as you generally have shorter weeks. But the real break comes when stepping away from our daily routines completely. It gives the space, clarity and inspiration needed to approach opportunities and tackle challenges differently or just with renewed vigour. Lets go! PSA: next Public holiday is the 10th of June, add a day of leave, you won't regret it. #creativenatives

Balancing working from home and parenting during summer holidays can be a huge challenge! To be honest I’m so done with the bloody holidays now…. I’ve made them even harder for myself by buying Jacob a new kitten. So am now refereeing between him and the cat! 😂🙈 but…. with a few tips and tricks, you can try and make it a smooth and enjoyable experience for you and your family. Tip 1: Set clear boundaries and establish a routine. Start by creating a schedule that includes dedicated time for work, breaks, and quality time with your children. Tip 2: Make the most of your breaks by spending quality time with your kids. Use your breaks to engage in activities that you and your children both enjoy, such as cooking, reading, or playing games. Tip 3: Get outside and enjoy nature. Go for a bug hunt, take the dog for a walk. Tip 4: Create a dedicated workspace. Buy noise-cancelling headphones!!!! or find a quiet spot in your home where you can focus without interruptions. Tip 5: Use technology to your advantage. I know a lot of people are against AI but with the correct use, AI could be the difference between sanity and insanity! So use it! Tip 6: Establish a bedtime routine. Before bedtime, discuss the plans for the next day, so everyone is prepared and knows what to expect. Just because kids are on holiday, they still need routine. Share your own tips in the comments below! #WorkFromHomeParenting #SummerHolidaysBalance"

Holidays are coming! Holidays are coming! T’is the School Summer Holiday Season. It’s that time of year again. For working parents, the school summer holiday season can be a balancing act. With children off school for 3 months of the year and typical annual leave only 20 days, the math really ain’t mathing. So, how to survive the school summer hols… 🤔 🗓 Create a project plan. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate Gantt chart- but go you, if you do. It's about mapping out key dates, events, pickups etc. for the next 6 weeks. This will help plan your days as well as enabling you to pivot when the inevitable unexpected is bound to happen. PS. schedule in time for yourself, too. ⏱Create more time. No, I'm not a magician. However, look at your calendar and see where you can better spend your time. Do you need to attend that meeting? Can it be a 30min call? Do you need to do that pick up? Can you delegate? Sometimes we think we’re busy but we’re just not utilising our time efficiently. 🤝 Negotiate flexible working. Speak to your manager about shifting your hours or even compressing them. This isn’t guaranteed but if you don’t ask, you don’t get. 🆘 It's a team sport. Parenting is not meant to be done alone, so enlist the support of those you know and trust. This can be a partner, grandparents, friends, school mum/dads etc. If you don't have a community look at coworking spaces, local groups or affordable camps to fill in the gaps. 🙅🏾♀️ Let go of the parent guilt. Society is not set up for working parents to thrive, so stop beating yourself up if you can’t be present all the time. Focus on quality time with your children when you're together, and communicate openly when you can't be present. And in case you need a reminder, you’re doing an amazing job! Don’t let the summer holidays make you question who you are as a parent! Roll on, September. Share any tips to help working parents survive the summer hols, it truly takes a village! #workingparents #workingmums #flexibleworking #parttimeworking #summerholidays #worklifebalance

Summer/school holidays are almost upon us, and for us working parents, that means finding a way to keep the cherubs happy while also navigating work. It's definitely a challenge, but often, with a little creativity and flexibility, we can make it work (minus the mum guilt). One thing that helps is setting up a routine that works for everyone. Maybe you start work a bit earlier in the morning or squeeze in some tasks after the kids are in bed. ⏰ Speak to your employer to find out what’s possible, Finding that balance can make a big difference. 🗣️ Of course, not all roles allow for this level of flexibility but where possible most organisations are understanding and often willing to offer some flexibility or extra support during the holidays. ☀️ And of course, make the most of the time you have with your little ones - they aren’t small for long! Plan fun activities you all enjoy that don’t cost the earth - sometimes that just looks like a pretend picnic in the front room! How do you handle the summer holidays with work and kids? #workingparents #worklifebalance