Making School Breaks Stress-Free: Top Tips for Busy Parents

School holidays - the knife edge of family time balanced with fun (aka chaos) and responsibilities! So how do you keep your cool, get things done and find time to breathe?!?

🐰Plan for a juggle. Create a plan that includes work, playdates, outings, and downtime. Whilst you might be the one managing it, make sure you delegate things – I have open conversations with my husband and I know he can’t keep this stuff in his head but will look at an electronic calendar. So I invite him to things that he has said he will do, like camp drop offs or if he is taking the day off – it also serves to remind him to then book that day off work. Find a way of working this so you can work as a team if you have that available to you.

🐇Manage the Time Crunch: Remember to plan for the time period you are in. The holidays don’t have to be a non-stop whirlwind. Set realistic boundaries to protect your energy. Decluttering your schedule means freeing up time for what truly matters. Focus on activities that create meaningful memories rather than ticking off a long to-do list. Say “yes” sparingly and embrace the power of “no” when demands start to overwhelm.

🐣Breathe a Little Easier: Everyone need downtime. This is great for both you and the kiddos – its okay to have time at home – they need it as much as you do and you are helping role model the behaviour that its okay to not always be ‘doing’ stuff. Chilling out and playing at home is just as important. Giving them the opportunity to have some time to play at home may also offer you and opportunity to carve out “me-time” moments—whether it’s an early-morning coffee, a relaxing read, or time to just slow down and cook dinner feeling relaxed rather than in a rush. Keeping yourself recharged enables you to show up as the best version of yourself for your family. Remember, a happy parent equals a happy child.

Above all, embrace imperfection—it’s okay if not everything goes to plan. Holidays are about connection and joy, not perfection. Taking these steps will help you handle the chaos with a smile - however strained it might be! 🤪🥰

#timemanagement #easterholiday #busyparent