Spring break is a time for kids to relax and unwind, but for work-from-home moms with young children, it can be a challenging time. Balancing work responsibilities with childcare can be overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to keep your kids entertained and engaged during their time off from school. Fortunately, there are some tips and strategies that can help make spring break more manageable for work-from-home moms and dads. Here are six spring break survival tips for parents of young children that will keep you sane and your children content!
Plan Ahead
The best thing you can do to prepare for spring break is to plan ahead. One of my biggest struggles during spring break is keeping track of meal times, and deciding what to feed them each day. Creating a weekly menu (or at least making a list of quick meals to prepare), and grocery shopping before the week starts is a big help. When things with work get busy, you will be happy you have already thought through this stuff!
Another struggle I deal with is keeping the kids busy and content while I work. I find that when they have a lot of unstructured downtime they fight more, and get into trouble more often. To combat this, create a schedule for each day, including blocks of time for school work, meal time, and activities for your kids. If you can’t take long breaks from work to engage with your kids, choosing a few activities your children can do independently is a huge help. This can include activities that your kids will enjoy, such as arts and crafts, outdoor play, and games. I even purchase a new toy or two to keep them entertained. We gotta do, what we gotta do!
Set Realistic Expectations
It’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself and your children during spring break. Don’t try to do too much or expect too much from your kids. It’s a good practice to set healthy boundaries with your children. I have been a WFH employee since my 4-year-old was born. Teaching my daughters to understand that just because I am home does not mean I am not working is something we have been working on for years. Some days are better than others but don’t underestimate your child’s ability to grasp that concept. It really takes consistency and patience. It also helps to realize that entertaining your children is not your job!
Remember that they are on vacation and need time to relax and play. Kids need a mental break too! Be flexible and willing to adjust your plans if needed. It’s important for me to make sure they are still challenged mentally while on break. We spend a portion of each day going over concepts that they are working on at school, but most of the time is spent enjoying not being in a school environment.
Use Screen Time Wisely
While it’s tempting to let your kids watch TV or play on their tablets all day, it’s important to use screen time wisely. Limit the amount of time they spend on screens and choose educational or interactive apps and games. You can also use screen time as a reward for completing chores or other tasks. My kid’s play areas get really messy with them being home all week on break. Instead of being stressed about the mess and additional cleaning, I delegate it to my kids. This is a great way for them to work on their cleaning skills. It also gives them an activity to do that is productive and keeps them out of your workspace for a while. Work smarter, not harder!
Get outside
Spring break is a great time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Even if you aren’t going on a vacation, try to get outside! The fresh air gives you a change of pace and can tire the kids out for a nap. Take your kids for a walk, bike ride, or hike. Explore a new park or nature reserve. Not only will this help your kids burn off some energy, but it’s also a great way to spend quality time together as a family.
If your work doesn’t allow you to leave, the backyard is always an option (if the weather permits). I make sure we have plenty of bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and outdoor toys for the kids to play with. Their sand and water table to guaranteed to keep them busy for hours. While they play, I can work outside or just inside so they are always within earshot/ eyesight.
Take Breaks
Wearing multiple hats is difficult and that is exactly what is required from WFH parents during school breaks. Not only do our employers expect us to work as if we aren’t parents, but our children expect us to parent as if we aren’t working. The result is stressed-out parents who are suddenly the school teacher, nurse, lunch lady, parent, playmate, referee, and full-time employee for 1-2 weeks. It’s exhausting and overwhelming, to say the least!
That is why it’s important to remember to take breaks throughout the day to recharge and relax. This could mean taking a nap, reading a book, or doing a quick workout. Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your kids! One way to ensure you get a mental break is scheduling in nap time or quiet time with your children. This will give you time to take a nap yourself, eat
Ask for Help!
Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Reach out to family or friends for support. If you have relatives that work on a different schedule or don’t work at all, they may be willing to take the kids for a few hours. Consider hiring a babysitter or enrolling your kids in a day camp if possible. Having some extra help can give you the time and space you need to get your work done and enjoy some quality time with your kids.
I personally like to choose a few days to use PTO during their breaks so there are fewer days that I am stressed trying to manage work and the kids. This also gives me the opportunity to spend quality time with them and switch things up.
In conclusion, spring break can be a challenging time for work from home parents with young children, but with some planning and preparation, you can make it a more manageable and enjoyable experience. Remember to set realistic expectations, use screen time wisely, get outside, take breaks, and ask for help if you need it. By following these tips, you can survive spring break at home with your children under the age of 7.
