5 Tips for Business-Owning Parents to Master The Summer Holiday Juggle

Balancing Business and Personal workloads to create a memorable summer break.

The summer holidays are fast approaching and although they bring joy and excitement to children across the UK, for parents who run their own businesses it can be a very stressful time trying to juggle both business and work commitments along with spending time as a family making memories. As a mum of 2 children with additional needs, I used to dread the summer holidays or in fact, any school holidays. Here are 5 things you can do to prevent that school holiday burnout:

1. Plan Ahead and Set Clear Boundaries: The key to a balanced summer break lies in planning. Start by getting a calendar or piece of paper and write down all the non-negotiable family commitments such as weddings, client meetings, work deadlines or holidays you are taking. By doing this, you can effectively manage expectations and establish clear boundaries. Communicate your availability to clients, employees, and suppliers, ensuring everyone understands your work hours and dedicated family time.

2. Delegate and Outsource: As a business owner, you don't have to shoulder every responsibility alone. Consider delegating tasks and responsibilities to capable employees or reliable freelancers. This will not only ease your workload but provide you with more time to make memories with your children during the summer holidays. It's not always easy to release control from your business, it's like an extra child and by exploring outsourcing and delegation options during the school holidays, you will gain confidence in outsourcing or delegating more business functions in the longer term, freeing up more of your valuable time when the children are back at school.

3. Utilise Technology and Embrace Flexible Work Arrangements: Technology is a super power. Remote working is now much more possible and it's easier than ever to stay connected with your business while enjoying quality time with your children. Embrace video conferencing, cloud storage, and project management tools to manage your work remotely. Flexible work arrangements, such as working from home or adjusting your work hours, to maximise your availability for family activities during the summer break could really improve your summer break experience.

4. Plan Engaging Activities for Your Children: To make the most of the summer holidays, plan exciting and engaging activities in advance for your children. Research local attractions, summer camps, or workshops tailored to their interests. You do not need to feel guilty for arranging childcare options during the summer. This could be a day a week or the whole holiday. If your business demands you be working through the whole summer then do what's best for you, your family and your business. In my experience, the days my children attend summer camp, they have the best time and have lots of new information and stories they are bursting to share.

5. Prioritise Self-Care and Quality Time: I know the word self-care is everywhere these days and with the demands of running a business and caring for your children, it's easy to put self-care to the bottom of the pile. Taking regular breaks from work, engaging in activities that fill you with joy, and scheduling dedicated alone time is essential for your own mental health. By prioritising your own well-being, you'll be better equipped to handle the juggle between work and family life during the summer holidays.

Balancing the summer holiday juggle as a business-owning parent may initially seem like a mammoth challenge. However, by implementing one or all of the tips above, you can enjoy a fulfilling summer holiday that caters to both your children's needs and the demands of your business. Remember, finding the right balance is an ongoing process, so remain adaptable, embrace flexibility, and savour the precious moments with your loved ones.