5 Ways to Survive and Enjoy the Summer Holidays as a Working Parent

The school summer holidays can feel like a mixed blessing for working parents in the UK. It’s six weeks without the stress of school runs and a chance to make wonderful memories. But it can also mean:

• juggling childcare with working hours
• struggling to keep your young ones fed and entertained
• feeling guilty about not spending more time with your children

While some parents have term-time-only jobs, the reality is that most people don’t. Whether you work from home, at the office, or on a hybrid basis, the summer break can challenge even the most patient and well-planned of parents.

The good news is that with some added flexibility and support, plus a shift in expectations, you can survive and even enjoy the school summer holidays. Here are five practical ways to make it work.

Plan Ahead but Leave Room to Breathe

Planning ahead can help you stay in control, so try to set up a schedule before school breaks up for the holidays. But if you didn’t do that, or your plan has unravelled over the first few weeks, don’t worry. It’s never too late to start over.

Set up a shared family calendar. The calendar app on your phone can be useful to keep track of your holiday plan but setting up a physical calendar where all the family can see it is the best option. Add your working hours, childcare arrangements, day trips, special dates like birthdays, appointments, and those essential chunks of time when you’re not working or attending activities. Colour code it if that helps.

Plans are a great way to create structure, but they shouldn’t become another source of stress. Build in some flexibility for when work overruns, the weather is rubbish, or your family just wants a quiet day. A flexible plan allows space for rest and spontaneity, while still providing you with a level of control over the holidays.

Get Creative with Childcare and Ask for Help

Juggling childcare with work over the holidays can be a real challenge, but you don’t have to face it alone. It just takes some creative thinking and the willingness to ask for help. Many parents are in the same boat, so don’t be afraid to reach out.

Start with your inner circle. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and trusted friends may be happy to take the kids to an activity or keep them entertained for a few hours while you work. You could even set up a childcare swap with another parent. One day you look after the children, and the next you get time to work without interruptions.

Other childcare options include:

• holiday clubs, often run by schools, leisure centres, or community groups
• registered childminders
• nurseries and pre-school groups
• local council schemes offering subsidised programmes or free events for children and families

If your child receives free school meals, you may be eligible for the Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF). This government-funded scheme offers free childcare, meals, and activities during the school summer holidays. Check with your local council to find out if you’re eligible.

You might also benefit from the Tax-Free Childcare scheme, to help cover the cost of approved childcare. This can be used for holiday clubs, childminders, and other registered providers.

Whether you’re relying on family, booking into clubs, or using a mixture of childcare methods, the key is to stay flexible and open to support.

Make the Most of Flexible Working

A temporary shift in your working hours over the summer break can make all the difference. Speak with your manager ahead of time and be honest about what you’re juggling. Many of them will be parents themselves and understand your dilemma. You could ask to adjust your hours, work from home, or move to a four day week, for instance.

All UK employees have the legal right to request flexible working. While employers can refuse, they must consider the request. So if flexible working could help you manage the summer break, don’t be afraid to ask.

Redefine What Quality Time Means

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that quality time with your children must take up the entire day, be a stand-out experience, and cost a fortune. More often than not, it’s the simple experiences that make the best memories. That might be a walk to the library, playing your child’s favourite board game, or cooking together.

And forget what your friend or neighbour is planning for their children over the summer. Parenthood isn’t a competition.

Be Kind to Yourself

There will be days when everything clicks into place, and others when nothing goes to plan. You might feel guilty for working when you want to be with your children, or for not working when emails are piling up. Try to recognise that guilt as a sign that you care, and not that you’re failing. The summer break shouldn’t be about perfection, whatever that is. As long as everyone is fed, safe, and has smiled at least once today, you’re winning.

Take care of yourself too, even if that’s just five quiet minutes with a cup of tea after the children have gone to bed or a walk in the sunshine during your lunch break.

Wrapping it up

Balancing work with family life over the school holidays can be a challenge, but with a little planning and flexibility, and the right mindset, it’s absolutely possible. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and do remember to enjoy the summer.