Supporting Working Parents in the School Holidays

Working through the school holidays is tough.

Even with full-time holiday clubs or support from family, it requires so much additional work and there's at least 13 weeks of them a year.

Holiday clubs often finish at 3pm. They require packed lunches, costumes, admin. There's more washing, more logistics. Kids are out of routine and tired, not sleeping as well.

Most workplaces just aren’t designed with parents in mind and this puts a lot of additional pressure on working parents.

Considering how many working people have children, it’s wild that there’s still so much stigma around speaking up about this. It reminds me of the quote from Eve Rodsky: “We expect women to work like they don't have children and raise children as if they don't work.” (Of course all parents feel the burden, but we know the load still falls disproportionately on women.)

So how can we start removing the stigma and normalising the reality of the school-hols juggle?

- Leaders can set the tone by speaking openly about parenting and the juggle

- Cut down meetings where possible - and share notes or recordings for those who can’t attend

- Avoid unnecessary deadlines during holiday weeks - easing pressure helps everyone

- Watch out for assumptions. Don’t expect mums to pick up the slack. Encourage all parents to take leave, speak up, and set boundaries

- Flexibility is everything, especially during the holidays

Small changes can make a big difference.

If you'd like to learn more about how Squash can help your organisation turn awareness into action through drama-based training, get in touch!