Here we go; we’re nearly there – another six weeks of working from home in the summer holidays is nearly upon us! Is it just me, or do the summer holidays seem to hit different each year? On the face of it, so much of life is exactly the same – I will be working from home and my children are obviously the same children as last year! But actually, in reality….they’re not! Each year brings about a change in them; a change in their interests, a change in the dynamics between the two of them, a change in their relationship with me and what they need from me.
And so, as we head into this years six week summer holidays with them aged 9 and 13, I find myself planning the ultimate juggle to try and keep everyone happy and family life, as harmonious as possible.
In this blog, I’ll be sharing some of my plans for the juggling with the aim of helping other parents just like me who find themselves suddenly with two extra people in their workplace for the next six weeks!
1. Establish a flexible routine
I really struggle without routine and even during Covid times, I would have them both up and ready to start their day with Joe Wicks, before boxing off school work, having lunch, going for a walk then chill time before tea. Working from home in the summer holidays is no exception and it helps that I am working in my employed role Monday to Wednesday to keep the routine on track! I have already asked work if I can start earlier which capitalises on the time of day when things are less fractious. The girls are fresher and can entertain themselves more readily and I am more clear headed and able to power through my work.
The aim is to run through some ideas for activities the night before and get things ready ahead of time, as my two DO NOT like things being sprung on them. Nothing too regimented, but just things like what film they may watch or games they could play, just to try and avoid arguments in the morning as much as possible!!
I’ll be finished at 1pm so we can then have lunch and do something together in the afternoons. On my Thursday/Friday freelance days, things can be a bit more flexible and I can work in the evenings so that it gives us the opportunity to have full days out.
2. Create a dedicated workspace
I was really lucky when we had our extension built two years ago, that I had a small office space built in for me. It was originally just going to be an alcove, but we changed it so that I was able to close the door on it and separate home and work. However it is only small and so when I am in there, I don’t like to have the door shut. With it being off the main living space, there is some coming and going happening to the side of me throughout my work time.
BUT, I recently invested in some headphones and by filling my ears with music, I am able to block out the distraction to a large extent. Combined with some ground rules about leaving me alone whilst I work, my productivity levels have a shot at success!
I know that not everyone has a designated workspace, but is there a room in the house you can take yourself off to, that they won’t come in frequently? The kitchen perhaps, if they are going to stay in the living room? Or the living room, if they are going to stay in their bedrooms? Clearly defined zones have always worked best for us as a family when I’m working from home in the summer holidays.
3. Allow the Use of Technology for Engagement
There’s no getting away from screens, and honestly as a working mum, I find them an absolute godsend for giving me the time I need working from home during the summer holidays.
I do however think you have to be savvy about their use, and find things that are going to benefit them in some way and set boundaries. Without them, I know my two would watch inane videos all day.
I have come across a fabulous website that offers hundreds of brilliant free online games. My nine year old’s favourite is ‘We Bare Bears French Fry Frenzy‘! You essentially run a French fry stand and have to give the customers their correct orders in time or you lose a life. Lose three lives and it’s game over! You earn money and tips and can exchange them for new unlocked ingredients and devices. She’s practising time management, organisation skills, how to stay calm under pressure. All things my husband failed at when he had a go!!
They both absolutely love ‘Word Cake‘ as well and will play on separate devices and compete against each other! You have to create words from the letters you are given and work your way through the levels which are named after ingredients. The letter combinations and words get harder each time. I have zero mum guilt over games like this, especially for my nine year old who has 11+ tutoring starting in September. It’s fabulous practice for the verbal reasoning part of the programme! BUT, crucially, it feels absolutely nothing like school work which is a win-win in my book!
Technology also works as a way for them to virtually connect with their friends, therefore reducing the feelings of isolation they may feel when they can’t get to see them in person whilst you’re working. My teenager can obviously get out to meet up with hers, but my 9 year old will borrow my phone occasionally to Whatsapp call a friend whilst they play a virtual reality game together.
4. Incorporate Creative Activities and Independent Play
Now I will level with you here and say I can’t bear messy play – I am way too OCD for that and so the thought of leaving kids unsupervised to embark on any major craft projects whilst I am working from home in the summer holidays fills me with dread! What they are able to do now they are older, is things like diamond painting and making jewellery from kits.
They also love choreographing routines together and even more so when the weather is good as they’ll do it in the garden with the patio door blinds down so they essentially have a mirror to dance in front of!! Whilst any one of these activities will only generally keep them occupied for an hour or so, breaks up the screen time and lets me crack on!
5. Prioritise Self-Care and Family Time
It’s more important than ever during the long six week summer holiday, to give yourself time to do what you enjoy too. Being a slave to work and pre-occupied with keeping the kids busy does not make for a healthy mind or body and impacts your productivity!
What do you enjoy doing? I love to read and make sure I carve out time before bed to lose myself in a good book. Sometimes I’ll even do ‘book club’ with my youngest and read in her room in bed with her whilst she reads her book! She loves having me there cuddling for half an hour and we both get some reading done!
If exercise is your thing, make sure you keep up with your gym sessions or your runs. Could you break up the weeks with holiday clubs if you just need a day to be in complete silence? My eldest is booked into a stagey musical themed club for a week which she will love and will break up the bickering with her sister!
May the force be with you working from home in the summer holidays!
Balancing parenting with working from home in the summer holidays can certainly be challenging, but with a bit of planning and flexibility, it’s entirely possible. Establishing a flexible routine helps create structure for everyone, while a dedicated workspace ensures you can focus when needed. Leveraging technology keeps children engaged, and encouraging creative activities promotes their independence and imagination. Most importantly, don’t forget to prioritise self-care and quality family time, as they are crucial for preventing burnout from work, maintaining overall well-being, and a harmonious home life.
Remember, every family is unique and you’ll find what fits you. The key is to remain flexible, patient, and open to trying new approaches. You’ve got this!