School Holidays Are Here: 5 Tips for Juggling Work and Kids (Without Losing Your Mind)

School Holidays Are Here: 5 Tips for Juggling Work and Kids (Without Losing Your Mind)

For working parents, school holidays can be both a joy and a logistical puzzle. With the NSW school break just around the corner, many of us at ASR Recruitment – and many of our candidates and clients – are preparing to juggle family time, work commitments, and everything in between.

We know that flexibility at work isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a lifeline for parents during these busy weeks. So whether you’re working from home, managing hybrid hours, or trying to keep your team productive, here are a few tried-and-true ways to keep the kids happy and keep your sanity:

  1. Set a loose routine – for everyone

Kids thrive with structure (even during holidays). Creating a light routine – breakfast, outdoor time, quiet time, screen time – helps them stay settled and gives you blocks of time for focused work.

  1. Embrace flexible hours if possible

Whether you’re an employer or employee, flexibility is gold during school holidays. Starting early, taking a longer midday break, or splitting work across two parents can make a world of difference.

  1. Have a “boredom buster” list ready

Create a go-to list of activities your kids can do independently: puzzles, audiobooks, crafts, online museum tours, or free holiday programs in your area. (Hot tip: Newcastle and Sydney councils often have free school holiday events – worth checking out!)

  1. Communicate with your team

If you’re a hiring manager or team leader, now’s the time to check in with your team. Being aware of who has kids at home and offering some leeway can go a long way toward maintaining morale and productivity.

  1. Don’t aim for perfection

Real talk: your house might be a mess, a Zoom call might feature a surprise guest, and screen time may go up. That’s OK. These weeks are temporary – give yourself (and others) some grace.

Why We’re Sharing This

At ASR, we support people through career moves and life changes – because they’re often one and the same. Whether you’re job hunting, onboarding a new team member, or leading a department, schoolholidays affect how we all work.

If you’re navigating flexibility, team culture, or work-life balance – we’d love to chat. Supporting professionals is what we do best.

ARE YOU CURRENTLY LOOKING TO HIRE?

ASR Recruitment is a boutique recruitment agency specialising in Technology & Digital, Marketing and Communications, Accounting & Finance, Construction, Human Resources, Engineering, Safety, Procurement, Transport & Logistics, Manufacturing, Legal & Risk, Administration & Customer Service.

Find out more by visiting our Clients page!

Looking for a new role? Search Jobs here.

From our blog

Read our articles below to see our latest insights.

The power of engaging with recruiters

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving professional world, it’s easy to assume that recruiters only serve as gatekeepers for those actively seeking new job opportunities. However, there are numerous benefits of engaging with recruiters, even if you are not actively on the lookout for a new position. By establishing relationships with recruiters, you open doors to…

Ensuring safety in heavy industry

Safety is of paramount importance in heavy industries across the globe. In New South Wales, where heavy industry plays a significant role in the economy, strict safety regulations and requirements are in place to protect workers, the environment, and the surrounding communities. Some of the key safety requirements that heavy industries must adhere to in…

Four ways you can enhance your technology development skills

Improving your tech development skills is essential in today’s rapidly advancing technological landscape. Here are four ways you can enhance your tech development skills:   Continuous Learning: Technology is constantly evolving, so it’s crucial to stay updated with the latest advancements and trends. It is important to engage in continuous learning by exploring online resources,…

The best way to approach looking for a new role

Are you thinking of looking for a new role?   When exploring job opportunities, it’s crucial to invest time in researching the companies you’re interested in. While it can be tempting to apply for multiple opportunities, it is best to ensure that you understand the organisational culture, values, and conditions before making an application, ensuring…

The importance of contract management in procurement

In the realm of procurement, where businesses and organisations engage in purchasing goods and services, contracts play a pivotal role in ensuring successful transactions and minimising risks to businesses. A contract acts as a legally binding agreement between the parties involved, providing clarity, protection, and a framework for executing business transactions. This article aims to…

Building strong communities: 5 important steps in community engagement for infrastructure projects

Infrastructure projects have a profound impact on the communities they serve. Whether it’s building a new road, renovating public spaces, or constructing vital utilities, community engagement plays a critical role in ensuring the success and sustainability of these projects. Effective engagement not only fosters trust and collaboration but also leads to better outcomes that meet…

Navigating the dynamic landscape of accounting and finance in 2023

In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, the domains of accounting and finance continue to evolve and adapt to ever-changing market conditions and technological advancements. With the advent of new regulations, emerging trends, and transformative technologies, professionals in accounting and finance face a dynamic landscape that requires agility, strategic thinking, and a commitment to staying ahead…

The importance of prioritising phone conversations

Despite the rise of digital communication, phone calls remain an essential part of conducting business. While emails and instant messaging may be viewed as a more convenient option, they often lack the personal touch that comes with speaking to someone over the phone. Unlike written communication, phone calls allow individuals to convey emotions, tone, and…

Best practice for fire safety training

Though unlikely, there will always be the possibility of fires within a workplace. While the industry in which your company falls increases the possible occurrence, fires will and can occur anywhere, at any time. Importance of Fire Safety Training will continue to be a high-ranking importance within the Health, Safety and Environment space.   Conduct…

Marketing strategy
4 ways to improve your marketing strategy

4 ways to improve your marketing strategy Marketing strategies are built on a combination of historical and intuition data. Marketing directors use the relevant statistics to fuel plans for both digital and traditional ad campaigns. Though as the success of marketing strategies becomes more dependent on real-time data and evolving technology, new approaches are necessary…