It’s a challenge that most families have to face: how do you juggle your work commitments and the school holidays? It’s an issue that’s faced for at least twelve weeks of every year and yet never seems to get any easier.

If the school holidays have got you in a panic, read on for a guide to making the juggle just a little bit easier.

Plan your leave in advance

It’s easier said than done, but it’s a good idea to get in the practice of booking your leave early. You can view the school holiday period well in advance which means you can easily book your annual leave to make sure it falls during the holidays. Getting in early also allows you to get in first, making sure there’s adequate staff to cover you while you’re away. Chances are you won’t have enough leave to cover the whole school holiday period, but at least you’ll be able to take a break with your children for at least some of the time.

Take advantage of holiday programs

There’s plenty of holiday programs available to help take some of the load. Do your research and you’ll be able to find a program that is fun, engaging and safe. Children enjoy being social and active, so chances are they’ll actually want to be booked into a holiday program anyway. No one wants to sit around at home all day trying to think of things to do – and you definitely don’t want to have to come up with activities for every day either. Book in early to make sure you get a place at the program your children want to attend.

Ask for flexible working hours

It might not always be possible, but it can’t hurt to ask for a change to your working arrangements during the school holidays. Perhaps that means starting earlier and finishing earlier to cater for picking up your children from holiday programs. It might mean reduced hours or working from home – whatever suits you and your family. It’s important to remember that if you don’t ask, you won’t know.

School holidays, although fun for children, can be stressful for working parents. Making plans in advance, asking for flexible working arrangements and taking advantage of holidays programs are all ways in which you can juggle the school holidays with your working life. It’s not always going to be easy but with a little planning you can help make it feel a little less like an impossible juggle.