Casey Mahadeo, Love Recruitment

This is equally a post for our full-time working Dads as well as Mums. My partner and I juggle childcare and work exactly 50/50 and it's just as much of an organisation minefield for him also. It would be great to hear how some of you Dads are finding the juggling act also! 

The school holidays are incredibly joyous and fun - I remember the excitement myself as a child breaking up from school for the summer and feeling like it would be an eternity until I would be returning for the next school year. And therefore, it's so important to ensure your children are having fun and socialising but also juggling work and childcare isn't always a simple task. 

I've summarised my tips/techniques for making this process a smooth(ish) one… 

Plan Ahead: This may seem like a no-brainer but without planning ahead, you may be setting yourself up for complete chaos. I believe I booked all of my annual leave within the first month of 2023, to try and plan my entire year ahead and book my annual leave across the year ensuring I'm able to have quality time with my children when it is needed most. 

Share Responsibilities/ Ask for help: If possible, collaborate with other working parents or family members to share childcare responsibilities. This cooperative approach can provide some relief and create a more relaxed environment for everyone. We're fortunate to have relatives who are more than happy to help out with our little ones. Speak with other parent friends and arrange play dates at friends houses when you need to work and visa versa when you are able to be home and present with the children. 

Holiday Camps and Clubs: We have an incredible Holiday Club local to us called Laser Lions, which my boys totally love! Their days are jam-packed with fun activities, sports, arts + crafts. Plus the boys are exhausted after a day of fun, resulting in a super easy bed time routine! We also try and coordinate days at the Clubs with some of their friends from school, which makes this an even more awesome day for the kiddos! 

Flexible Work Arrangements: I know this is not always a viable options for all job roles, but if you are able to, explore the possibility of flexible work hours or remote work options during the school break. Many employers understand the importance of work-life balance and may be open to accommodating your needs.

Time-blocking/ Prioritising tasks: Identify and prioritize both professional and personal tasks. Utilize time-blocking techniques to allocate specific time slots for work and family activities. Focus on completing high-priority tasks during your most productive hours. A favourite book of most of the team at Love Recruitment is Atomic Habits by James Clear. An incredible read which has really helped to shape my current ways of working. 

Set boundaries: This links closely to time- blocking point above. Establish boundaries between work and family time. When working, minimize distractions, and when with your children, be fully present without getting consumed by work-related thoughts.

As a full-time working parent, managing time during school holidays can be challenging, but it's entirely achievable with proper planning and a positive mindset. By balancing your professional commitments with dedicated family time and self-care, you can create a harmonious and fulfilling experience for both you and your children. Embrace the opportunity to strengthen family bonds and make this school break a memorable one for everyone involved. We've got this fellow parents!