The summer holidays are a double-edged sword for many working mums. On the one hand, it's a time for spending quality time with the children, family fun and making memories. But on the other hand, it can be a logistical nightmare trying to juggle work commitments, childcare, as well as personal time. Below, I share some useful tips, tools and strategies that will hopefully help you stay organised and make the most of your summer, without feeling like you’re being pulled in a million directions!
1. Create a Summer Schedule
A well-thought-out schedule is your best friend during the summer months. Here’s how to craft one that works:
● Weekly Planner: Break down each week, allocating specific days / times for work, activities with the kids and personal time.
● Visual Calendar: Use a large wall calendar that everyone in the family can see and update. Colour-code activities for each family member.
● Flexibility: While it’s important to have a plan, allow some flexibility for unexpected events or changes.
2. Involve the Kids in Planning
Including your kids in the planning process can make them feel involved and responsible – particularly good for younger children. Ask them for input on activities they’d like to do and let them help in creating the schedule.
● Activity Jar: Ask the kids write down activities they want to do on slips of paper and put them in a jar. Pull out a slip each day or week to decide what to do.
● Choice Charts: Create charts with options for activities, chores, and rewards. This helps manage expectations and keeps things fun.
3. Maximise Work Productivity
When it’s time to work, you need to be as productive as possible to free up more time for your family. Here are some tried and tested ways:
● Time Blocking: Dedicate blocks of time to specific tasks. For example, answer emails from 9-10 AM, work on projects from 10-12 PM, and take calls after lunch (don’t forget to factor in breaks too!).
● Pomodoro Technique: Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Repeat this cycle, and after four sessions, take a longer break. This helps maintain focus and avoid burnout.
4. Embrace Technology
There are numerous apps and tools designed to help you stay organised and manage your time efficiently. Here are a few recommendations:
● Trello: This project management tool uses boards, lists, and cards to help you organise tasks and collaborate with others. I use this all the time – you can access it on your phone too which can be a life-saver!
● Google Calendar: Sync your work and personal schedules in one place, set reminders, and share calendars with family members.
● RescueTime: This app tracks your time spent on different activities, helping you identify and minimise distractions.
● Cozi Family Organiser: A great app for managing family schedules, creating to-do lists, and keeping everyone in sync.
5. Outsource and Delegate
You don’t have to do everything yourself. Consider outsourcing certain tasks or delegating responsibilities to others.
● Grocery Delivery: Use grocery services like Tesco Click & Collect, Hello Fresh or online delivery services to save time on grocery shopping.
● Household Help: Use a cleaner for a few hours a week if you don’t already, or a child minder or student to help with household chores and childcare if the children are young.
● Family Contributions: Assign age-appropriate chores to your kids. This teaches responsibility and lightens your load.
6. Plan Fun Family Activities
Ensure you carve out time for fun and relaxation with your family. Plan activities that everyone can enjoy together.
● Day Trips: Visit local parks, museums, or attractions for a change of scenery and some quality family time.
● Staycations: Set up a tent in the backyard, have a movie marathon, or organise a family game night.
● Educational Activities: Combine fun with learning by visiting science centres, doing DIY crafts or cooking together.
7. Prioritise Self-Care
Don’t forget to take care of yourself amidst all the hustle and bustle. Self-care is crucial for maintaining your energy and sanity.
● Daily “Me Time”: Dedicate at least 15-30 minutes a day to something you enjoy, whether it’s reading, exercising, or meditating.
● Connect with Friends: Schedule regular catch-ups with friends, either in person or virtually, to maintain your social connections.
● Healthy Habits: Ensure you’re eating well, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep. These basic habits are often overlooked but are essential for overall well-being.
8. Stay Flexible and Positive
Despite your best efforts, things won’t always go as planned. Stay flexible, adapt to changes, and maintain a positive attitude (after all, wouldn’t life be dull if everything always went to plan!!).
● Mindfulness Practices: Engage in mindfulness activities like yoga or meditation to stay grounded and manage stress.
● Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate small accomplishments, whether it’s completing a work project or having a successful day out with the kids.
Balancing work, family, and personal time during the summer holidays can be challenging, but with these tips and tools, I hope they’ll help you can stay organised and make the most of this special time. Remember, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about finding a rhythm that works for you and your family. For more tips and tricks, follow me over on Instagram and Facebook.
And breathe… enjoy your summer!
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