It is okay to stress about school holidays
Often, nursery schools close during holiday periods, much like the schools do, leaving working moms with small children with few options for child care.
The Christmas break is a long one, not only for the parents but the children too, and after all the fun, food and presents, it ends with going back to school.
A recent study by 1st for Women Insurance found that while many of the moms surveyed feel positive about school holidays, those with small children under three years old, and teenagers, experience feelings of frustration and worry when the school holidays come round.
A statement released by the company indicated that some moms feel anxious because they do not know how to keep their children entertained and they have to work for some of the time the children are on holiday from school.
“Often, nursery schools close over holiday periods, much like the schools do, leaving working moms with small children with few options for child care. This is obviously stressful, as moms have to rely on others to take care of their kids,” said Casey Rousseau from 1st for Women Insurance.
However, the company has a few things it wants moms to know.
• Boredom isn’t a bad thing – did you know there are real benefits to being bored? It can boost creativity, make you more goal-orientated and more productive. Moms shouldn’t fall into the trap of feeling guilty about their kids’ lack of entertainment. A couple days of being bored is scientifically good for them.
• Teach them a skill – yes, these could very well be chores, but the kids will benefit from learning useful things that will help them in later life. Plus, it will remove the anxiety of arriving home to a couch-ridden-unshowered-haven’t-moved-in-ten-hours-teen. Teaching them to cook, do repairs around the house and even some gardening will keep them busy and help you out.
• Give back and pay it forward – getting your kids to do some volunteer work or helping out with a charitable cause is a good way to teach them to give back and make a difference to someone’s life. It will teach them compassion, empathy and understanding. Find a volunteer programme linked to something they like, that aligns with your working hours, and sign them up.
• Make the most out of weekends – if you are a working mom and cannot take too much annual leave, rather opt for a long weekend and make the most of it. Try to accommodate your kids with the activities they are really keen on, even if that means getting a take-away treat, binge-watching a TV series you don’t understand, or playing video games. Use the time to really connect with your kids.
• Motivate to work from home – it may not be company policy but there is no harm in motivating to your employer to allow you to work from home for part of the school holidays. Put together a proposal for your manager that covers all the questions he may ask. This will show him that you are organised and will be able to deliver your work.
“Most importantly, moms need to cut themselves some slack, and remember, they are not alone. A problem shared is a problem halved, so speak to other moms who find themselves in the same boat. That way you can work together to plan play-dates, help with social activities and lift clubs,” suggested Casey.
