Balancing childcare and work during the summer holidays can be one of the toughest stretches for parents. The constant walking a tightrope between ‘getting it right’ and falling into a hole can be exhausting both mentally and physically! If you are fortunate enough to work for an employer who is both understanding and flexible then the load can sometimes feel lighter but more often than not, employers are rigid in their approach to it being ‘business as usual’. Put aside the employer themselves and parents are often met with the internal monologue. That voice that questions whether you’re ‘getting it right’, that moment where the struggle is real and everyone can be a little short with each other and then the guilt, that awful guilt of kids being in holiday clubs that in fact, in the most part, they absolutely love!

We share some tips in this blog on ideas that might help you as we march on through the summer holidays and some of the JG team share their feelings towards how they manage their kids in the holidays.

How do you manage work and a teenager in the school holidays?

“I’m fortunate enough to have a teenager so she doesn’t need much hand holding during the day, although there is only so much time that can be spent in front of the TV or Ipad!

I have signed my daughter up for a few sailing regattas which does require me to be there to help tow boats and launch them but as all the team at JG work from home I have a dongle and can set up shop in the sailing club or café and can work remotely. Nowadays it’s quite normal for people to work remotely so there are usually a few parents doing just that creating a work hub and it’s surprising how productive you can be working with others.

I have also set challenges for my daughter & the family over the summer holidays; getting fit and reading are the main ones but setting a family challenge during the holidays can stir up some healthy competition; 50 sit ups every day for example!” Pip Cox, Joyce Guiness MD.

The benefits of remote learning!

Remote working during the school holidays can be a lifesaver for parents and was one of the (only!?) positives to come from Covid-19 and our approach to work/home life. The benefits of remote working go beyond convenience—there are mental, financial, and family advantages. As Pip touches upon, you can work around clubs and camps and can literally set up camp anywhere with the internet. It also allows parents to feel ‘present’ in and around their kids’ activities.

It’s easy for us to think kids want to be with us all the time but camps and clubs go out of their way to ensure a fun and engaging environment for kids. They encourage creativity and friendships introducing kids to new experiences, confidence building activities and positive associations. As you sit at your desk working it’s often hard to remember these positives though isn’t it!?

How do you manage work and younger children in the school holidays?

“This is my first summer juggling school holidays while working — and let’s just say, it’s a whole new kind of balancing act. With two little ones (aged 5 and 4), I knew I needed to be organised. So I planned ahead: I booked a mix of holiday camps and brought on a brilliant university student to help as a nanny three days a week. We’re only one week in, but so far, so good. Having some structure (and a bit of support!) has made all the difference. It’s definitely a learning curve, but also a reminder of how much working parents manage behind the scenes!” Clare Ashcroft, Partner

It can be a whole new ball game with smaller children. Whilst teenagers can, to a degree, entertain themselves for a period of time, younger children need a slightly different approach. Our Partner Clare is experiencing her first summer of juggling a school holiday with work and has reached out to a university student for help 3 days a week as well as holidays clubs. The support and maintaining a routine is proving to be working so far but perhaps we’ll do a follow up blog at the end of the summer with our findings!

Whichever path you decide to walk through the holidays it’s important to remember the impact of positive role modelling your career is having on your children. They see you working, they see you making the effort to find the right balance for them on their holiday and at the end of the day, it’s ok to feel whatever it is you’re feeling.

“I still get to the end of every summer holiday and think I’ll do such and such differently next summer” says one Mum of teens. It’s a continuous game of trial and error!

We’ve put together some top tips and ideas on how to juggle work and the school holidays that might help you over the next few weeks.

1. Plan Ahead (Early is Better)

Create a summer calendar: Map out holidays, work deadlines, and any family events.
Anticipate high-stress weeks: Identify weeks when work is busiest and arrange extra childcare help or lighter schedules for those periods.
Talk to your employer early: Ask about flexible work options, compressed hours, or remote days if possible.

2. Explore Childcare Options

Holiday camps or day programs: Sports, arts, STEM, or nature camps can cover a week or two and give kids structure.
Shared childcare swaps: Team up with friends or neighbors—alternate days where one parent hosts multiple kids.
Grandparents or relatives: Even one or two days a week can help relieve pressure.
Babysitters or mother’s helpers: Older teens can entertain kids at home while you work.
Local community centers or libraries: Often run free or low-cost programs.

3. Adjust Work Routines

Flexible scheduling: Start early or work evenings when another adult is home.
Block focus times: Use nap times or camp hours for deep work tasks.
Batch tasks: Group similar work (emails, meetings) so you’re not constantly switching between work and parenting.
Set expectations with your team: Communicate availability clearly to reduce stress about responsiveness.

4. Keep Kids Engaged at Home

Structured activities: Rotate between crafts, outdoor play, reading, and screen time.
Independent play zones: Set up stations (Lego table, art corner) that they can return to on their own.
Create “quiet time”: Even if they’ve outgrown naps, encourage a daily hour for reading, puzzles, or audiobooks.

5. Involve Kids in Planning

Visual schedule: Helps them see when you’re working vs. when you’ll play together.
Special “work breaks”: Promise mini activities (snack picnic, quick walk) after you finish a task.
Summer goals list: Let them pick projects (baking, learning a skill) to keep motivated.

6. Manage Expectations (and Guilt)

Good enough is enough: Summer doesn’t have to be perfect; your presence matters more than constant entertainment.
Prioritize quality moments: Short bursts of undivided attention can balance out long work periods.
Self-care counts: Take breaks for yourself—burnout helps no one.

Here are a few quick hacks from the Joyce Guiness team.

Activity kits in reserve: Keep a “boredom box” of crafts or puzzles for emergencies.
Batch meals: Prep simple lunches/snacks ahead of time.
Use headphones strategically: Audiobooks or music for kids can buy focused work time.
Stagger parents’ schedules (if possible): One works early, the other late.

How to Juggle Work & School Holidays