I currently work part time in a good job that I love with people that I enjoy working with. That’s good, right?
I’m also lucky enough that I can finish by 2.30 most days and be home to pick the kids up from school and spend time with them after school. That’s not just good, that’s amazing isn’t it?
The fact that I get the best of both worlds means my work-life balance just about as perfect as it could be during term time but it’s a whole different story in the Summer Holidays when it’s not as easy to be smug about it all (not that I’m openly smug – just internally ;-)).
It takes a little more work and I have to remind myself of some of the below more than once but I think I’m finally getting there with managing to keep a happy work-life balance during the holidays too.
Here’s what I do:
Accept that things are what they are
I find it easier now that I’ve accepted that I can’t be off work with them every time they’re off school. I no longer envy other parents who can do this for whatever reason and that really does help.
Understand that they don’t need to be entertained constantly
The older the kids get, the less of my attention they need and want during the school holidays – they’ve learned to make their own entertainment and are quite happy playing on their own, together or with friends now.
Don’t overplan
I no longer try and fill all of the time that I’m at home with them with fun. I used to do this thinking I was making the most of the time I had but actually, it was just exhausting and time spent together should be fun not me dragging the kids out somewhere because I think we should be out having fun.
Plan some special days out
Plan a few days off through the holidays to look forward to. I usually try and space them out throughout the six weeks to make sure that we always have something to look forward to.
Make time for each other
I find that on the days I’m working, it helps to make sure that we all sit and eat together where possible but when it’s not (if the kids are out and about or at friends) then we all sit around the table before bed and catch up. Even a quick game of Uno or cards is great and is a lovely ending to our day!
Make sure there’s plenty for them to do if I’m not with them
I don’t plan what they do when I’m not at home but I do make sure that there’s plenty for them to do if they do get bored because the worst thing when I’m at work is to get a text or a call from the to tell me that they’re bored and ask what they can do. We have a bored jar for Master Frugal and one for Miss Frugal both filled with activities!
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Image credit : Shutterstock, dizain
