If you’ve already mastered the remote work routine, school holidays can throw a well-oiled schedule into chaos. Suddenly, the quiet home office has background noise, snack requests, and a need for constant entertainment. The good news? You don’t need to start from scratch – you just need to tweak the playbook.
Here are smart ways to stay productive while keeping kids happy during the break:
1. Reclaim and Reinforce Your Workspace 🧭
Your home office setup is already in place – but now it needs some boundary reinforcement. Whether it’s a dedicated room or a makeshift nook, re-establish it as your “do not disturb (unless it’s important)” zone. Visual cues like a door sign or headphones on can help signal focus time to little ones.
2. Start Before the House Wakes Up 🌄
One of the biggest perks of WFH: no commute. Use that to your advantage. Early mornings often mean uninterrupted time – perfect for tackling deep-focus tasks before the day starts moving. Let the kids sleep in while you get a head start.
3. Rotate Low-Maintenance Activities
You don’t need to entertain them all day – just plan ahead. Create a rotation of quiet, independent activities: colouring, puzzles, LEGO builds, audiobooks, or craft kits. Save screen time for when you really need it – like during calls or deep work sessions. Change it up daily to avoid boredom.
4. Stick to a Loose Routine 🗓️
Structure doesn’t mean rigidity – but keeping a loose routine helps kids (and you) know what to expect. Anchor the day with regular meal times, quiet time, and play breaks. Block your calendar to match: schedule meetings or critical tasks during their independent play or screen time windows.
5. Batch Meals, Not Just Work 🍲
Meal prep isn’t just for fitness folks – it’s a time-saver when your day is packed. Cook larger portions a few times a week, or prep lunchboxes in the morning like a school day. Fewer kitchen runs = more productive time (and fewer “what’s for lunch?” interruptions).
6. Nap Time = Power Hour 💻
If your kids still nap – or even just enjoy solo quiet time – use it. These blocks are golden for high-focus work. Prioritise mentally demanding tasks here so you’re less stressed during the more chaotic hours.
7. Schedule Meetings Strategically 📅
You already know your team’s rhythm. Now adjust your meeting times to fit the holiday dynamic. Early morning, nap time, or tablet time are prime windows. If you’re on a laid-back call, no harm in letting your child pop in for a quick hello -it keeps things human.
8. Tag-Team with Your Partner 🧍♀️↔️🧍♂️
If you and your partner are both working from home, take shifts. One works, one plays – it’s not always perfect, but it ensures both of you get some uninterrupted time. Sync calendars and communicate ahead of the week to avoid overlap.
9. Protect Your Evenings 🔌
When the workday ends, shut it down fully. Power off the laptop, mute notifications, and be present. Plan something relaxing or fun for the family – even if it’s just a movie night or a walk around the block. Protecting your downtime matters even more when the days are this full.
Summary: School Holidays Are a Curveball – Not a Crisis
You’re already good at WFH. Now it’s just about adapting to this season of noise, mess, and maybe a little more screen time than usual. With the right mix of routine, flexibility, and prep, you can stay on top of work and still enjoy this time with your kids.
You’ve handled remote work before – you’ve got this. 💪👨👩👧👦
